2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Lotus Elise 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 (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 178 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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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 (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 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. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Fiat |
| Model | Elise | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
