2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Plymouth Neon would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 303 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
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, 1997 Plymouth Neon, 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 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Plymouth Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1997 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Elise | Neon |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 806 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 79 L |
