2005 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo GT is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,745 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo GT. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo GT weights approximately 280 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo GT. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo GT.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo GT | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | GT | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1745 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
