1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1996 Rover 800
To start off, both 1996 Lotus Elan and 1996 Rover 800 were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 800 (174 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Rover 800 weights approximately 415 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1996 Rover 800 has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Rover 800 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1996 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elan | 800 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2780 mm |
