1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 11 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 19 more horse power than 2009 Mini Cooper. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 501 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, 2009 Mini Cooper, 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2009 Mini Cooper 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. 2009 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
Make | Lotus | Mini |
Model | Elise | Cooper |
Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1215 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3660 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1930 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |