2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 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 467 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | 159 | Esprit |
Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 183 HP | 216 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 230 Nm | 298 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1148 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |