2003 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (350 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 750 kg more than 2004 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, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (485 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5664 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 485 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 31 L |
