2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Audi A3
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2001 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi A3 weights approximately 555 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, 2001 Audi A3, 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, 2001 Audi A3 (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2001 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 2001 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2001 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Audi |
| Model | Elise | A3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
