2003 Lancia Thesis vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 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 1,910 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (182 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 769 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 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 2012 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 (305 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lancia Thesis | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thesis | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 44 L |
