2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 159 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 71 L |
