1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Vibe 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 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. (170 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Vibe weights approximately 543 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 Pontiac Vibe, 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) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. (172 Nm). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2005 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
