2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1990 Saab 9000
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Saab 9000 (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Saab 9000 weights approximately 609 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Saab 9000, 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, 1990 Saab 9000 (330 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1990 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 9000 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
