1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2009 Subaru Outback 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Outback (242 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Outback weights approximately 924 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Subaru Outback is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Outback will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Outback (297 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2009 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2009 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elise | Outback |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2680 mm |
