2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 3,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix (173 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 786 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 2001 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2001 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3128 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 66 L |
