1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 564 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 145 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1278 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
