1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Seat Exeo
To start off, 2009 Seat Exeo 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 86 more horse power than 2009 Seat Exeo. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Seat Exeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Seat Exeo weights approximately 686 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 Seat Exeo, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Seat Exeo. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Seat Exeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2009 Seat Exeo | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | Exeo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1772 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2642 mm |
