2001 Lotus Exige vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 395 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (134 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Exige | 146 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 50 L |
