1998 Citroen Saxo vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Citroen Saxo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Citroen Saxo would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Saxo. (117 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Saxo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Saxo weights approximately 217 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Saxo, 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, 1999 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Saxo. (145 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Saxo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Citroen Saxo | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | Saxo | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2310 mm |
