1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 492 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, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Lotus Elise | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
Model | Elise | Sunfire |
Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2200 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 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 | 708 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |