2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1992 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 663 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. 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, 1992 Oldsmobile 88, 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, 1992 Oldsmobile 88 (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1992 Oldsmobile 88 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. 1992 Oldsmobile 88 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1992 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elise | 88 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2820 mm |
