2004 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Acura RL
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Acura RL weights approximately 925 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Acura RL, 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, 1996 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise. 1996 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2004 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2004 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 1996 Acura RL | |
| Make | Lotus | Acura |
| Model | Elise | RL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
