1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1991 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 581 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1963 Lotus Elan | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Elan | Esprit |
Year Released | 1963 | 1991 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 172 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1175 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4340 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2460 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 73 L |