1959 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,636 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 446 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1959 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elise |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4636 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
