1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 1999 TVR Speed 12 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 7,728 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 627 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 20 kg more than 1999 TVR Speed 12.
Because 1999 TVR Speed 12 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 1999 TVR Speed 12. 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, 1999 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 677 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1999 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1999 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Elan | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 7728 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |
