2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Saab 900
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Saab 900 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1997 Saab 900. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Saab 900 weights approximately 419 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, 1997 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 (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Saab 900. (178 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1997 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 900 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 68 L |
