2008 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige 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 430 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Because 2003 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige 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 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 147 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 36 L |
