2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige 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 72 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 630 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. 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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| 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 | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 36 L |
