2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForTwo 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 80 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 67 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Elise | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 19.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 3.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 22 L |
