1958 Lotus Elite vs. 2004 Ascari KZ1
To start off, 2004 Ascari KZ1 is newer by 46 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ascari KZ1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ascari KZ1 (500 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 429 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ascari KZ1 should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ascari KZ1 weights approximately 770 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, 2004 Ascari KZ1 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Ascari KZ1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 2004 Ascari KZ1 | |
| Make | Lotus | Ascari |
| Model | Elite | KZ1 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 89 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1138 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2636 mm |
