2005 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,492 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 765 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166, 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 166 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | 166 | Elan |
Year Released | 2005 | 1969 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 385 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 45 L |