2003 Fiat Barchetta 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 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Barchetta would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 181 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 Fiat Barchetta, 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Barchetta | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Barchetta | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 44 L |
