1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 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 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 173 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. 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 (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Eclat | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 32 L |
