2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Seat Exeo
To start off, 2012 Seat Exeo 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Seat Exeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Exeo (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Exeo should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Exeo weights approximately 594 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.
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, 2012 Seat Exeo, 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, 2012 Seat Exeo (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Exeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2012 Seat Exeo | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | Exeo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| 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 | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1772 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2642 mm |
