2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Holden Apollo
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Holden Apollo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Holden Apollo would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Holden Apollo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1989 Holden Apollo. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Holden Apollo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Holden Apollo weights approximately 323 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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, 1989 Holden Apollo, 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, 1989 Holden Apollo (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Holden Apollo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1989 Holden Apollo 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. 1989 Holden Apollo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1989 Holden Apollo | |
| Make | Lotus | Holden |
| Model | Elise | Apollo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
