2003 Acura RSX vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2003 Acura RSX. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura RSX weights approximately 272 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Acura RSX | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Acura | Lotus |
Model | RSX | Elise |
Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 218 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 191 Nm | 212 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |