1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Maserati Ghibli
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Maserati Ghibli. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Maserati Ghibli would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Maserati Ghibli is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Maserati Ghibli (302 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Maserati Ghibli should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Maserati Ghibli weights approximately 657 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.
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, 1998 Maserati Ghibli (334 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Maserati Ghibli will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1998 Maserati Ghibli | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Elise | Ghibli |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
