1958 Lotus Elite vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 47 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Elise weights approximately 316 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (187 Nm) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elite | Elise |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 187 Nm |
| 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 | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
