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