1964 Lotus Elan vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 739 kg more than 1964 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 256 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1329 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 | 31 L |
