2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1970 Saab Sonett III
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Saab Sonett III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Saab Sonett III would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (64 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab Sonett III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 154 kg more than 1970 Saab Sonett III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Saab Sonett III, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Saab Sonett III.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1970 Saab Sonett III | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | Sonett III |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 58.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2160 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
