1994 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Porsche 911 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,822 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Porsche 911 weights approximately 485 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 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, 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, 2005 Porsche 911 (408 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 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 1994 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Elan | 2005 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elan | 911 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3822 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2360 mm |
