2007 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2007 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 218 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Alfa Romeo 156. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Alfa Romeo 156. 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
