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 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Vectra (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 805 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, 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 (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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 | 1794 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1510 mm |
