1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan.
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, 2005 Lotus Exige (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Exige |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
