1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Vauxhall Frontera
To start off, 2002 Vauxhall Frontera is newer by 6 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 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Vauxhall Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Vauxhall Frontera (202 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall Frontera should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Vauxhall Frontera weights approximately 700 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 2002 Vauxhall Frontera 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, 2002 Vauxhall Frontera 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, 2002 Vauxhall Frontera (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Vauxhall Frontera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2002 Vauxhall Frontera | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Elan | Frontera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
