1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Audi TT
To start off, 2001 Audi TT is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Audi TT (161 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Audi TT should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi TT weights approximately 605 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, 2001 Audi TT, 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, 2001 Audi TT (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Audi TT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2001 Audi TT 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. 2001 Audi TT will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2001 Audi TT | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Elise | TT |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
