2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 672 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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 159 (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 159 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3175 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 | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
