2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 554 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 5.2 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 | 1340 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
