2005 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 147. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 147.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 147 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
