2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 642 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Lotus Seven 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 1957 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 156 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Seven |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 29 L |
