2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Seat Altea
To start off, 2006 Seat Altea 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2006 Seat Altea. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Seat Altea weights approximately 655 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, 2006 Seat Altea, 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 Seat Altea (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2006 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | Altea |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
