1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 440 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 2003 Subaru Legacy 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy (343 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elan | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
