1993 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Porsche 911 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,818 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 911 (355 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1993 Lotus Elan. (164 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1993 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Porsche 911 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1993 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Porsche 911 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 2005 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 2005 Porsche 911 (385 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lotus Elan. 2005 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 1993 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1993 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lotus Elan | 2005 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elan | 911 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2360 mm |
