1955 AC 2-Litre vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 AC 2-Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 AC 2-Litre would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 AC 2-Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1955 AC 2-Litre. (76 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1955 AC 2-Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 AC 2-Litre weights approximately 300 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1955 AC 2-Litre 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 1955 AC 2-Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 AC 2-Litre. (136 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 AC 2-Litre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 AC 2-Litre | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | 2-Litre | Elan |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2260 mm |
