2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Maserati 430
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Maserati 430. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Maserati 430 would be higher. At 2,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Maserati 430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Maserati 430 (247 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Maserati 430 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Maserati 430 weights approximately 434 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.
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, 1989 Maserati 430 (375 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1989 Maserati 430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1989 Maserati 430 | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Elise | 430 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
