2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 10 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 736 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elise | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 68 L |
