1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 34 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 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lotus Elan weights approximately 20 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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 (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Exige |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| 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 | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
