2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 306 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
