1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1996 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, both 1996 Lotus Elan and 1996 Suzuki Samurai were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 90 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1996 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Elan | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2490 mm |
