2004 Lotus Elise vs. 1987 Alfa Romeo 90
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Alfa Romeo 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 would be higher. At 2,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 90. (109 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 weights approximately 500 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 (235 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elise | 90 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 49 L |
