2003 Lancia Thesis 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 Lancia Thesis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lancia Thesis would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (169 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 726 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 Lancia Thesis, 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 Lancia Thesis (226 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2003 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lancia Thesis | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thesis | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 40 L |
