2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 349 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (260 Nm) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elise | 146 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
