2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 1005 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 159 | Europa |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
