1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Seat Ibiza
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Seat Ibiza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Seat Ibiza would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Seat Ibiza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Seat Ibiza (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Seat Ibiza should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Seat Ibiza weights approximately 392 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Seat Ibiza, 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, 1996 Seat Ibiza (181 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Seat Ibiza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1996 Seat Ibiza | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | Ibiza |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
