2011 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 619 kg more than 2012 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, 2011 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Lexus IS | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lexus | Lotus |
| Model | IS | Elise |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4585 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2731 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 44 L |
