2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 990 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 166, 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 166 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 45 L |
