1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Seat Malaga
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Seat Malaga. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Seat Malaga would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1985 Seat Malaga. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Seat Malaga. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Seat Malaga weights approximately 261 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, 1985 Seat Malaga, 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 (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Seat Malaga. (114 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Seat Malaga.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1985 Seat Malaga | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | Malaga |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
