1989 Lancia Prisma vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lancia Prisma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lancia Prisma would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1989 Lancia Prisma. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1989 Lancia Prisma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 70 kg more than 1989 Lancia Prisma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lancia Prisma. (105 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lancia Prisma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lancia Prisma | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Prisma | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2260 mm |
