1991 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP) has 29 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Elan. (160 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 47 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (181 Nm) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Elan. (143 Nm). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Elan | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Elise |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 189 HP |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 997 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2310 mm |
