1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Porsche 911
To start off, 2009 Porsche 911 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 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche 911 (409 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Porsche 911 weights approximately 720 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.
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, 2009 Porsche 911 (405 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2009 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elise | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 409 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.7:1 |
| 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 | 705 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1290 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 67 L |
