2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit 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 130 kg more than 1995 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1995 Lotus Esprit 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 1995 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 266 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 | 1445 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |
