2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1989 Saab 9000. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 500 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000, 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (212 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 9000 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
