1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 7 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Prizm. (124 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 376 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, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm, 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Prizm. 2005 Chevrolet Prizm 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. 2005 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2005 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elise | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 714 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
