2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mini Cooper weights approximately 375 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
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, 2006 Mini Cooper, 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, 2006 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elise | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
