2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 564 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 9000 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
