1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2005 Opel Vectra 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 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2005 Opel Vectra. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Vectra weights approximately 899 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 Opel Vectra, 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, 2005 Opel Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2005 Opel Vectra 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 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2005 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
