2003 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 474 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Lexus IS | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Lexus | Lotus |
Model | IS | Elise |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 196 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 926 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 44 L |