2000 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Elise (143 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 470 kg more than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Because 2000 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 2000 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2000 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Elise | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elise | 146 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 51 L |
