1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise 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 349 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise 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 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 146 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 44 L |
