1996 Lexus SC vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lexus SC would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lexus SC (260 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2011 Lotus Elise. (217 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 2011 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lexus SC weights approximately 712 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Lexus SC (370 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise. 1996 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lexus SC | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lexus | Lotus |
| Model | SC | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3969 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 44 L |
