2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo. (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 2 kg more than 2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 MiTo, 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 MiTo. (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | MiTo | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
