2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,385 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 555 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. 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 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
Model | Spider | Esprit |
Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2385 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 172 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1175 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2440 mm |