2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Rover 45
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Rover 45. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Rover 45 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2003 Rover 45. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Rover 45. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Rover 45 weights approximately 324 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, 2003 Rover 45, 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Rover 45. (123 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Rover 45.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2003 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elise | 45 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 54 L |
