2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Rover 45
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Rover 45. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Rover 45 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2004 Rover 45. (102 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Rover 45. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Rover 45 weights approximately 276 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, 2004 Rover 45, 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, 2004 Rover 45 (241 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2004 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2004 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elise | 45 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
