2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 850 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | 159 | Elise |
Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1908 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 705 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |