1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1988 Venturi Cabriolet
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Venturi Cabriolet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Venturi Cabriolet would be higher. At 2,456 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Venturi Cabriolet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Venturi Cabriolet (199 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Venturi Cabriolet should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Venturi Cabriolet weights approximately 275 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Venturi Cabriolet 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 1988 Venturi Cabriolet. 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, 1988 Venturi Cabriolet (296 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Venturi Cabriolet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1988 Venturi Cabriolet | |
| Make | Lotus | Venturi |
| Model | Elan | Cabriolet |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 199 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
