1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1999 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1999 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 40 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1999 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1999 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 350 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Because 1999 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Lotus Elite. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1959 Lotus Elite (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1999 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Elite | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2490 mm |
