2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, both 2003 Lotus Elise and 2003 Volkswagen Polo were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 405 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elise | Polo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
