1962 Triumph Vitesse vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Triumph Vitesse would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 20 kg more than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. (125 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Triumph Vitesse | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Triumph | Lotus |
| Model | Vitesse | Elise |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 44 L |
