2003 Daihatsu Copen vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, both 2003 Daihatsu Copen and 2003 Lotus Elise were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2003 Daihatsu Copen. (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Daihatsu Copen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Daihatsu Copen weights approximately 110 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Daihatsu Copen, 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 Lotus Elise (175 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Daihatsu Copen. (120 Nm). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Daihatsu Copen.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Daihatsu Copen | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Copen | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
