1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lotus Elise weights approximately 36 kg more than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
| Model | Sprite | Elise |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 714 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 31 L |
