2008 Fiat Croma vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Fiat Croma is newer by 10 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Fiat Croma (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Fiat Croma weights approximately 880 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Fiat Croma, 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 Fiat Croma (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Croma | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Croma | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1585 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 40 L |
