2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 510 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 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Lotus Elise | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elise | New Beetle |
Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1422 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 75.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1260 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |