1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2003 Rover Streetwise
To start off, 2003 Rover Streetwise is newer by 7 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Rover Streetwise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 Rover Streetwise. (102 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2003 Rover Streetwise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Rover Streetwise weights approximately 195 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
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, 2003 Rover Streetwise (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Rover Streetwise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2003 Rover Streetwise | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elan | Streetwise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
