2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Noble M12
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Noble M12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Noble M12 would be higher. At 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Noble M12 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2002 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2002 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Noble |
| Model | Elise | M12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
