2004 Lotus Elise vs. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 495 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 (260 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elise | 146 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 61 L |
