1962 Lotus Elite vs. 2011 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2011 Land Rover Defender is newer by 49 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 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Land Rover Defender (120 HP) has 37 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 2048 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.
Because 2011 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Lotus Elite. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 2011 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Lotus | Land Rover |
| Model | Elite | Defender |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 120 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 60 L |
