2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 11 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 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (612 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 425 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 868 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (596 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6162 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 612 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 596 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1582 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2310 mm |
