1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146.
Because 2009 Lotus Exige 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 2009 Lotus Exige. 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (231 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige 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 | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 146 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
