1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2004 Mini Cooper is newer by 8 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 Mini Cooper. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mini Cooper weights approximately 420 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
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, 2004 Mini Cooper, 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mini Cooper. (149 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 2004 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elise | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
