2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Exige | 164 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
