2004 Audi A3 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi A3 (252 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2011 Lotus Elise. (217 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A3 weights approximately 639 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise. 2004 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 44 L |
