2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Lotus Elise 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 (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 296 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, 2012 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Elise | Insight |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
