2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Suzuki Baleno
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Baleno. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Baleno would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Baleno. (98 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Baleno. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Suzuki Baleno weights approximately 85 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 Suzuki Baleno, 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 (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Baleno. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Baleno.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1996 Suzuki Baleno | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Elise | Baleno |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 51 L |
