2009 Fiat Panda vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 11 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda, 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Panda | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1107 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 915 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 44 L |
