1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lotus Elise weights approximately 104 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Europa | Elise |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
