2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
