2007 Dodge Caliber vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Dodge Caliber is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2007 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2007 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 711 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2007 Dodge Caliber (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2007 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Caliber | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Caliber | Elise |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2310 mm |
