2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 192 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | 156 | Esprit |
Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1774 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 216 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 164 Nm | 298 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1148 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |