2008 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147. (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147. (141 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 147 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
