1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Pontiac Firebird (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1988 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
