2003 Acura RSX vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura RSX would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Acura RSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura RSX (197 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura RSX weights approximately 316 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX, 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 Acura RSX (192 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2003 Acura RSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | RSX | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
