2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Acura EL
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Acura EL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Acura EL 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 (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1998 Acura EL. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Acura EL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Acura EL weights approximately 294 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, 1998 Acura EL, 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, 1998 Acura EL (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1998 Acura EL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1998 Acura EL | |
| Make | Lotus | Acura |
| Model | Elise | EL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| 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 | 785 kg | 1079 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1704 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2619 mm |
