2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (153 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 660 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, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (229 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 2003 Opel Vectra has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1510 mm |
