1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Vauxhall Vectra
To start off, 2002 Vauxhall Vectra is newer by 6 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Vauxhall Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Vauxhall Vectra (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall Vectra should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Vauxhall Vectra weights approximately 825 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall Vectra, 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, 2002 Vauxhall Vectra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Vauxhall Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 2002 Vauxhall Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Elise | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
