1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Subaru Coupe
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Subaru Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru Coupe would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Subaru Coupe. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Subaru Coupe weights approximately 207 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Subaru Coupe, 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, 1999 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru Coupe. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru Coupe. 1981 Subaru Coupe has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Subaru Coupe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1981 Subaru Coupe | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elise | Coupe |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
