2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 would be higher. At 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 643 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 159 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| 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 | 1555 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2299 mm |
