2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2010 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2010 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 768 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, 2010 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, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Elise | 159 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 120 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 70 L |
