2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (208 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 944 weights approximately 506 kg more than 2005 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, 1988 Porsche 944 (281 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elise | 944 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 104 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2390 mm |
