2006 Honda Insight vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Honda Insight is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2006 Honda Insight. (73 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Insight.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Insight, 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Insight. (107 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Insight | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Insight | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 999 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 107 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 31 L |
