2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1987 Saab 90
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Saab 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Saab 90 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Saab 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1987 Saab 90. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Saab 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Saab 90 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Saab 90, 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Saab 90. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Saab 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1987 Saab 90 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 90 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
