1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Elise weights approximately 36 kg more than 1967 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
| Model | Sprite | Elise |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 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 | 3490 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 31 L |
