2002 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 33 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 436 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 147 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
