2005 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider (215 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 149 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
