2007 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 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 | 1356 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
