1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2006 Lotus Exige is newer by 35 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lotus Exige weights approximately 46 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. 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, 2006 Lotus Exige (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Exige |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| 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 | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 44 L |
