2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,385 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige 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 526 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 Lotus Exige 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 2012 Lotus Exige. 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 @ 1800 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1435 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
