1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1993 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1993 TVR Chimaera is newer by 35 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 TVR Chimaera (276 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 TVR Chimaera weights approximately 470 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, 1993 TVR Chimaera (388 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1993 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 1993 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Elite | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 57 L |
