1996 Hyundai Tiburon vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Hyundai Tiburon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Hyundai Tiburon would be higher. At 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Hyundai Tiburon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Hyundai Tiburon weights approximately 472 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Hyundai Tiburon, 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Hyundai Tiburon. (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Hyundai Tiburon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Hyundai Tiburon | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Tiburon | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1257 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 38 L |
