1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2004 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Saab 03-Sep (175 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 812 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, 2004 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2004 Saab 03-Sep (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2004 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 58 L |
