2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, both 2003 Lotus Elise and 2003 Volvo S40 were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 669 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 Volvo S40, 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 Volvo S40 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elise | S40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
