1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1962 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Lotus Eclat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP) has 77 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 320 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (191 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1962 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Eclat | Elite |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1215 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 29 L |
