2002 Lancia Thesis vs. 2008 Lotus Elise

To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lancia Thesis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lancia Thesis would be higher. At 1,999 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Lancia Thesis. (185 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2002 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 745 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.

Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2002 Lancia Thesis (305 Nm) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm). This means 2002 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise. 2002 Lancia Thesis has automatic transmission and 2008 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2008 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Lancia Thesis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2002 Lancia Thesis 2008 Lotus Elise
Make Lancia Lotus
Model Thesis Elise
Year Released 2002 2008
Body Type Sedan Roadster
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 1999 cc 1795 cc
Engine Cylinders 5 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 185 HP 189 HP
Engine RPM 4100 RPM 7800 RPM
Torque 305 Nm 180 Nm
Engine Bore Size 82 mm 82 mm
Engine Stroke Size 75.7 mm 85 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 8.5:1 12.0:1
Top Speed 233 km/hour 241 km/hour
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1695 kg 950 kg
Vehicle Length 4880 mm 3790 mm
Vehicle Height 1480 mm 1150 mm
Wheelbase Size 2600 mm 2310 mm