1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1974 Lotus Eclat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP) has 77 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 395 kg more than 1962 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elite | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 67 L |
