2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 6 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 2,383 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac Solstice weights approximately 579 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.
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, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Lotus Elise | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
Model | Elise | Solstice |
Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2383 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 121 HP | 173 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 226 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1329 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2420 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 49 L |