1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 139 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (260 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 1974 Lotus Eclat has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 146 | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1245 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 67 L |
