2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Proton 400
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Proton 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Proton 400 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 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2001 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Proton 400 weights approximately 88 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 Proton 400, 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 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Proton 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2001 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Lotus | Proton |
| Model | Elise | 400 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
