1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2012 Chevrolet Lacetti
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Lacetti is newer by 53 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Lacetti is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Lacetti (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Lacetti should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Lacetti weights approximately 704 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.
Because 1959 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Lacetti, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Lacetti (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Lacetti will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2012 Chevrolet Lacetti | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elite | Lacetti |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 60 L |
