1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2013 Mini Coupe
To start off, 2013 Mini Coupe is newer by 54 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mini Coupe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mini Coupe (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mini Coupe should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mini Coupe weights approximately 585 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, 2013 Mini Coupe, 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, 2013 Mini Coupe (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 Mini Coupe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2013 Mini Coupe | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elite | Coupe |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2467 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 50 L |
