1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 739 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.
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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 32 L |
