1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP) has 209 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 715 kg more than 2003 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 121 HP |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
