1974 Lotus Elite vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite 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 21 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 310 kg more than 2003 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 Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elite | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 31 L |
