1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 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 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 483 kg more than 2012 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 (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
Model | Corvette | Elise |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 345 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 475 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 912 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 44 L |