1982 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Chevrolet Corvette (200 HP) has 80 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 704 kg more than 2002 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, 1982 Chevrolet Corvette (385 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Chevrolet Corvette | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elise |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 120 HP |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 91 L | 31 L |
