2007 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 535 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise. 2007 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Elise 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 | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 156 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
