2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,492 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | 156 | Esprit |
Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |