2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2006 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saab 03-Sep (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 780 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, 2006 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, 2006 Saab 03-Sep (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2006 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| 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 | 120 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
