1960 Lotus Elite vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 747 kg more than 1960 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elite | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 31 L |
