2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2003 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2003 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 2003 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 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2430 mm |
