1959 Berkeley Foursome vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Lotus Elite is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Foursome would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 592 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Elite 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 1974 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Foursome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Foursome | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | Foursome | Elite |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 67 L |
