2003 Fiat Panda vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Panda weights approximately 110 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Panda | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 31 L |
