2006 Audi A3 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A3 weights approximately 349 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi A3, 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A3. 2006 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Audi | Lotus |
| Model | A3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 44 L |
