2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (207 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 920 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 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elise | 159 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
