1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2012 Daihatsu Materia
To start off, 2012 Daihatsu Materia 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Daihatsu Materia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Daihatsu Materia (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Daihatsu Materia should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Daihatsu Materia weights approximately 455 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 Daihatsu Materia, 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 Daihatsu Materia (132 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Daihatsu Materia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2012 Daihatsu Materia | |
| Make | Lotus | Daihatsu |
| Model | Elite | Materia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 40 L |
