1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 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 (325 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 673 kg more than 2005 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 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 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| 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 | 325 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 40 L |
