1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2000 Lotus Extreme
To start off, 2000 Lotus Extreme is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Extreme (120 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Extreme should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elise weights approximately 249 kg more than 2000 Lotus Extreme.
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, 2000 Lotus Extreme (180 Nm) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm). This means 2000 Lotus Extreme will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 2000 Lotus Extreme | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Extreme |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 700 cc |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2420 mm |
