1959 Berkeley QB vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP) has 140 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 531 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Lotus Elise 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | QB | Elise |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 189 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 44 L |
