2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Maserati Ghibli
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Maserati Ghibli. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Maserati Ghibli would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Maserati Ghibli is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Maserati Ghibli (302 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Maserati Ghibli should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Maserati Ghibli weights approximately 515 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, 1998 Maserati Ghibli (334 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1998 Maserati Ghibli will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1998 Maserati Ghibli | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Elise | Ghibli |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
