2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Saab 05-Sep. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Saab 05-Sep would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saab 05-Sep (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saab 05-Sep should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 700 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 Saab 05-Sep, 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 Saab 05-Sep (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2003 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1998 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 | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 75 L |
