1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 40 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (191 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Lotus Eclat | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Eclat | Elan |
Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 191 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2260 mm |