1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2007 Subaru Forester is newer by 11 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 163 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Subaru Forester weights approximately 441 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 2007 Subaru Forester 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, 2007 Subaru Forester 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, 2007 Subaru Forester (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2007 Subaru Forester 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. 2007 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2007 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elan | Forester |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
