1997 Dodge Viper vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (415 HP) has 297 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Viper weights approximately 798 kg more than 1999 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 Dodge Viper (664 Nm) has 499 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Viper | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 415 HP | 118 HP |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.6 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
