2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise.
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 Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Exige | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Exige | Elise |
Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 257 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 236 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 40 L |