2005 Honda Fit vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Honda Fit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2005 Honda Fit. (82 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Fit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Fit weights approximately 355 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Fit, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Fit. (119 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Fit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Fit | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Fit | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 40 L |
