2000 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 147. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 139 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 147. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 147.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 147 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 31 L |
