1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1975 Saab 99
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Saab 99 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1975 Saab 99. (95 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1975 Saab 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Saab 99 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Saab 99, 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Saab 99. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Saab 99.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1975 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 99 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
