2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Seat Ibiza
To start off, 2012 Seat Ibiza 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Seat Ibiza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2012 Seat Ibiza. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Seat Ibiza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Ibiza weights approximately 232 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 Seat Ibiza, 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, 2012 Seat Ibiza (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Ibiza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2012 Seat Ibiza | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | Ibiza |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| 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 | 950 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
