2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 725 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. 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 (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
