1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 420 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. 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, 2009 Mini Cooper, 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elise | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
