2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,127 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 801 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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, 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elise | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3030 mm |
