1958 Berkeley Foursome vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Berkeley Foursome would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lotus Elise weights approximately 358 kg more than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1958 Berkeley Foursome, 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. (49 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Berkeley Foursome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Berkeley Foursome | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | Foursome | Elise |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 592 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2310 mm |
