Ferrari
Dino
Lotus
Elise
Ferrari Dino vs Lotus Elise: 2017 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Ferrari Dino comes out ahead of the Lotus Elise on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Dino
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment focused on the vehicle's timeless design, driving character, and historical significance. The Dino 246 GT is consistently praised as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, with its design described as graceful, swooping, and definitively 1960s. Owner experiences highlight its raw, mechanical, and engaging driving feel, with everything in the car described as feeling rudimentary and connected.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. The data includes mentions of both the Dino 246 GT and the 246 GTS, as well as the later 308 GT4, but no comparative analysis of trim or model year desirability is present.
Known issues
- ⚠Rudimentary and mechanical nature: described as having a feeling where "everything feels" mechanical, which is noted as part of its character but may not suit all drivers. Frequency: isolated.
Elise
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment among owners, characterized by an almost universal appreciation for its raw, engaging, and pure driving experience. The vehicle is consistently described as providing an unparalleled connection to the road, with exceptional steering feel, a communicative chassis, and a thrilling sense of lightness. Owners frequently use superlatives to describe the fun and excitement of driving, often comparing the experience favorably to far more expensive supercars when modified.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or edition. Discussions indicate strong interest in the Series 2 (S2) generation, particularly US-market models from 2005 onward.
Known issues
- ⚠Spartan and uncomfortable nature: difficult ingress/egress, firm ride, lack of sound deadening, minimal storage space, cabin noise. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠High cost of body repair: damage to the large fiberglass clamshell body panels is described as very expensive to repair or replace, with paint matching being a particular challenge. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Engine-specific concerns (Rover K-series): head gasket issues are widely discussed, though some owners note most cars have had this addressed; also noted to burn oil and has multiple belts requiring service. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Ferrari Dino is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Lotus Elise, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Lotus Elise is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ferrari Dino or the Lotus Elise?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Ferrari Dino and the Lotus Elise. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Ferrari Dino or the Lotus Elise?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Ferrari Dino is classed as a Coupe, the Lotus Elise as a Roadster, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ferrari Dino or the Lotus Elise?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ferrari Dino or the Lotus Elise?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Lotus Elise than the Ferrari Dino. See the known issues comparison above.