2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 4 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 835 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
