2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Seat Ibiza
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1996 Seat Ibiza. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Seat Ibiza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Seat Ibiza weights approximately 330 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Seat Ibiza. (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Seat Ibiza.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 1996 Seat Ibiza | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | Ibiza |
| Year Released | 2001 | 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 | 120 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
