1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 7 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. Both 1996 Lotus Elise and 2003 Opel Signum are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (125 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 680 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum, 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 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Signum. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Signum.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 2003 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Signum |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 58 L |
