1994 Lotus Elan vs. 1992 Ferrari 456
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Ferrari 456. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Ferrari 456 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 Ferrari 456 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Ferrari 456 (436 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Ferrari 456 should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Ferrari 456 weights approximately 680 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 Ferrari 456 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 1992 Ferrari 456. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1992 Ferrari 456 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1992 Ferrari 456 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan. 1992 Ferrari 456 has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 Ferrari 456 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Elan | 1992 Ferrari 456 | |
| Make | Lotus | Ferrari |
| Model | Elan | 456 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 436 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2660 mm |
