1974 Lotus Elite vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1974 Lotus Elite is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 466 kg more than 1963 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elite | Elan |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 185 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 | 1060 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |
