1997 Lexus SC vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus SC would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (433 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1997 Lexus SC. (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Lexus SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 331 kg more than 1997 Lexus SC. 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lexus SC. (365 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lexus SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lexus SC | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lexus | Lotus |
| Model | SC | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3969 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 433 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 86 L |
