1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Porsche 911
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche 911 (276 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Porsche 911 weights approximately 447 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.
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, 1996 Porsche 911 (650 Nm) has 485 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm). This means 1996 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1996 Porsche 911 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. 1996 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1996 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elise | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2280 mm |
