1991 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Elan weights approximately 124 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1991 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Elan | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Elise |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2310 mm |
