1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 5 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 240 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 2001 Lotus Exige. 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Exige |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 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 | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2310 mm |
