2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 336 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (261 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elise | 146 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
