1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1962 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP) has 80 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 360 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Lotus Elite 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 1962 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Lotus Elan | 1962 Lotus Elite | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Elan | Elite |
Year Released | 1996 | 1962 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1215 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 83 HP |
Torque | 204 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 660 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1510 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1190 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2240 mm |