2003 Fiat Punto vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (71 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Punto weights approximately 159 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 Punto, 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, both vehicles can yield 180 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Punto | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.7 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 3.9 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 5.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 38 L |
