2004 Audi A3 vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi A3 (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A3 weights approximately 625 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3, 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, 2004 Audi A3 (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 32 L |
