2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise 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 80 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (156 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 664 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 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 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 5.4 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 | 1470 kg | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
