1974 Innocenti Mini vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Innocenti Mini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Innocenti Mini would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1974 Innocenti Mini. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 Innocenti Mini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 224 kg more than 1974 Innocenti Mini. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Innocenti Mini, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Innocenti Mini. (76 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Innocenti Mini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Innocenti Mini | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Innocenti | Lotus |
| Model | Mini | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 702 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2299 mm |
