2004 Cadillac CTS vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Cadillac CTS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 1075 kg more than 1996 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, 2004 Cadillac CTS (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac CTS | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | CTS | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
