2000 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 146 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| 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 | 1160 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 45 L |
