Car comparison

Porsche Boxster (987) · Facelift 2009 2.9vsLotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Porsche Boxster (987) · Facelift 2009

2.9

255 hp2893 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedRoadster2009-2012
VS

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3)

S 1.8

220 hpGasolineRWDManualSuperchargedRoadster2012-2017

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.6 s
  • Lightest
    924 kg
    2,037 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    238 hp/t
    178 kW/t
    4.2 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    7.5 L/100 km
    31.4 mpg US
    37.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    10.3 L/100 km
    22.8 mpg US
    27.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    5.9 L/100 km
    39.9 mpg US
    47.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    173 g/km
  • Best overall score
    52/100
  • Best economy score
    87/100
  • Best practicality score
    30/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelPorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Power
255hp190kW
220hp164kW
Torque
290Nm214lb-ft
250Nm184lb-ft
Curb weight
1,365kg3,009lb
924kg2,037lb
Gross weight
1,670kg3,682lb
-
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
234 km/h
145 mph
To 99% top speed
89.6s99% target: 258 km/h / 161 mph
Calculated
43.9s99% target: 232 km/h / 144 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.8s
4.6s
0-200 km/h
22.1s
17.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.5s
Calculated
4.4s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.1L/100 km25.8mpg US31.0mpg UK
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.6L/100 km17.3mpg US20.8mpg UK
10.3L/100 km22.8mpg US27.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.5L/100 km36.2mpg US43.5mpg UK
5.9L/100 km39.9mpg US47.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.9s
Calculated
12.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
187hp/t139kW/t85hp/1000 lb
Calculated
238hp/t178kW/t108hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
212Nm/t142lb-ft/ton
Calculated
271Nm/t181lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
714km444mi
Calculated
533km331mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,893cc177cu in
-
Length
4,342mm171in
3,824mm151in
Width
1,801mm71in
1,719mm68in
Height
1,292mm51in
1,117mm44in
Wheelbase
2,415mm95in
2,300mm91in
Front track
1,490mm59in
-
Rear track
1,534mm60in
-
Ground clearance
127mm5in
-
Trunk volume
130L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
65L
40L
CO2 emissions
214g/km
173g/km

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8PowerTorque
  • Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9: Power / Torque
  • Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.97,200 rpm4,400-6,000 rpm7,500 rpm
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.86,800 rpm4,600 rpm7,050 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricPorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.5 s
4.4 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.8 s
4.6 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
22.1 s
17.3 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
234 km/h
145 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
6.0 s
5.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.1 s
8.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.7 s
10.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.9 s
12.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
165 km/h
102 mph
179 km/h
111 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
255 hp
190 kW
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
220 hp
164 kW

Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9 has 35 hp more than Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8.

The biggest power difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 and Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9: 35 hp (26 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
290 Nm
214 lb-ft
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
250 Nm
184 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
1,365 kg
3,009 lb
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
924 kg
2,037 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
261 km/h
162 mph
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
234 km/h
145 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Although Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9 has more power, Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 and Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9: 1.2 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 and Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9: 1.6 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
187 hp/t
139 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
238 hp/t
178 kW/t
4.2 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
714 km
444 mi
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
533 km
331 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
255 hp
190 kW
5.8 s
261 km/h
162 mph
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
220 hp
164 kW
4.6 s
234 km/h
145 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
Power
255 hp
190 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
130 L
4.6 cu ft
Length
4,342 mm
170.9 in
Height
1,292 mm
50.9 in
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h4.6 s
Top speed
234 km/h
145 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
3,824 mm
150.6 in
Height
1,117 mm
44.0 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
Power
255 hp
190 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h4.6 s
Top speed
234 km/h
145 mph
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
5.8 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
4.6 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
PorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9
187 hp/t
139 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
238 hp/t
178 kW/t
4.2 kg/hp
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehiclePorscheBoxster (987)Facelift 20092.9LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Power
255 hp
190 kW
220 hp
164 kW
Torque
290 Nm
214 lb-ft
250 Nm
184 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.8 s
4.6 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
234 km/h
145 mph
Lightness
1,365 kg
3,009 lb
924 kg
2,037 lb
Fuel consumption
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
130 L
4.6 cu ft
Length
4,342 mm
170.9 in
Height
1,292 mm
50.9 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
3,824 mm
150.6 in
Height
1,117 mm
44.0 in
Range score
714 km
444 mi
533 km
331 mi
CO2 score
214 g/km
173 g/km
Trunk score
130 L
4.6 cu ft
-
Power-to-weight score
187 hp/t
139 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
238 hp/t
178 kW/t
4.2 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehiclePorsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8
Consumption9.1 L/100 km25.8 mpg US31 mpg UK7.5 L/100 km31.4 mpg US37.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.92 LC100 km13.13 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.63 LC100 mi21.12 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,365 L361 US gal300 UK gal1,125 L297 US gal247 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,389 LC/year1,969 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Porsche Boxster (987) Facelift 2009 2.9

  • Has 35 hp more
  • Has 40 Nm more
  • Has 27 km/h (17 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 181 km (112 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Highest CO2 emissions

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8

  • Is 441 kg lighter
  • Is 1.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 1.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 51 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Emits 41 g/km less CO2

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Porsche Boxster (987) 2.9
Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

Porsche Boxster (987) · Facelift 2009 2.9 vs Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 - car comparison - FastVsFaster