1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1990 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Suzuki Alto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Suzuki Alto would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1990 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1990 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lotus Elise weights approximately 75 kg more than 1990 Suzuki Alto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Suzuki Alto, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Suzuki Alto. (59 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1990 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Elise | Alto |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 59 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2180 mm |
