1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Bonneville (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 795 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 1989 Pontiac Bonneville (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1989 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1989 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 68 L |
