2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 159 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | 159 | Esprit |
Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
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 | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 222 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1600 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |