1997 Dodge Avenger 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 Dodge Avenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Avenger would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Avenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Avenger. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Avenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Avenger weights approximately 444 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Avenger, 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Avenger. (180 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Avenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Avenger | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Avenger | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 44 L |
