2005 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider (163 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 730 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
