1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (104 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 93 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 146 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.5 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 31 L |
