1974 Lotus Elite vs. 2003 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2003 Porsche Boxster 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche Boxster (262 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 320 kg more than 1974 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, 2003 Porsche Boxster (310 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 2003 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elite | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 266 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 | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
