1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lotus Elan weights approximately 162 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. 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, 1999 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Elise |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
