2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | 156 | Elan |
Year Released | 2003 | 1962 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
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 | 1250 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |