2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Opel Vectra. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Vectra weights approximately 428 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, 1996 Opel Vectra, 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, 1996 Opel Vectra (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
