2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Saab 900
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Saab 900 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Saab 900 weights approximately 230 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Saab 900, 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 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1981 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 900 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2530 mm |
