2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Dodge Caliber. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Dodge Caliber would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 535 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Caliber | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 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 | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 40 L |
