2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Vibe (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Vibe weights approximately 562 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.
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, 2002 Pontiac Vibe, 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, 2002 Pontiac Vibe (175 Nm) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm). This means 2002 Pontiac Vibe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2002 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 76 L |
