2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 552 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise. 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 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 32 L |
