2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 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 1,969 cc, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 300 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1796 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 950 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
