2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 710 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. 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 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
