2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (104 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elise | 146 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1370 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 64.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 51 L |
