2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 909 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Lotus Elan 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (231 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
