2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Rover 200
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Rover 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 200 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1996 Rover 200. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Rover 200 weights approximately 149 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 Rover 200, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 200. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1996 Rover 200 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elise | 200 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
