2008 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 21 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 (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 261 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, 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 (305 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 147 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 67 L |
