2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,598 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 2 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | 156 | Elan |
Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 72.8 mm |
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 | 1265 kg | 850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |