1985 Lamborghini Jalpa vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa would be higher. At 3,480 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa (253 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa weights approximately 795 kg more than 1996 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, 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa (319 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lamborghini | Lotus |
| Model | Jalpa | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3480 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 253 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 197 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 | 1500 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
