2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1995 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 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 73 more horse power than 1995 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1995 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 450 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1995 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
