2003 Opel Signum 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 Opel Signum. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Signum would be higher. At 3,173 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 698 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum, 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 Opel Signum (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Signum | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Opel | Lotus |
| Model | Signum | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3173 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 44 L |
