2008 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Elantra. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 438 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Elantra, 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 Hyundai Elantra (236 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Elantra | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Elantra | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
