2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (139 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero weights approximately 554 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, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, 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, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Oldsmobile Alero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2003 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elise | Alero |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 806 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 53 L |
