2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1994 Saab 900
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Saab 900 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Saab 900 (223 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Saab 900 weights approximately 644 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, 1994 Saab 900, 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, 1994 Saab 900 (342 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1994 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1994 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 900 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 342 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1429 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 68 L |
