2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 550 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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 Spider (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Eclat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
