1996 Lancia Zeta 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 Lancia Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lancia Zeta would be higher. At 2,088 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lancia Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1996 Lancia Zeta. (109 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Lancia Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 765 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Zeta, 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, 1996 Lancia Zeta (260 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1996 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lancia Zeta | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Zeta | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2088 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2310 mm |
