2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 165 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146, 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 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Esprit | 146 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 1351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 67.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2550 mm |
