2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 415 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elise | 164 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
