1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1964 Lotus Elan is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Lotus Elan weights approximately 10 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1964 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1964 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elite | Elan |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 45 L |
