1997 Land Rover Discovery vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Land Rover Discovery. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Land Rover Discovery would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1997 Land Rover Discovery. (181 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Land Rover Discovery. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 1140 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Land Rover Discovery will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Discovery (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1997 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Land Rover Discovery | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lotus |
| Model | Discovery | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3946 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2090 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
