2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Vector M12
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Vector M12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Vector M12 would be higher. At 5,707 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Vector M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Vector M12 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Vector M12 weights approximately 915 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.
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 Vector M12 (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 397 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Vector M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 1998 Vector M12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Vector |
| Model | Elise | M12 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
