2004 Fiat Panda vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 90 kg more than 2004 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda, 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 Fiat Panda (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Panda | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 40 L |
