1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1977 Porsche 911
To start off, 1977 Porsche 911 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Porsche 911 (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Porsche 911 weights approximately 770 kg more than 1959 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, 1977 Porsche 911 (431 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1977 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1977 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elite | 911 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 3299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 80 L |
