2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 880 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 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 1964 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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 Spider (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | Spider | Elan |
Year Released | 2003 | 1964 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 236 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 289 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |