1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2011 Subaru Forester is newer by 15 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Forester (170 HP) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Forester weights approximately 504 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 2011 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Subaru Forester (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2011 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. 2011 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2011 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elan | Forester |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2616 mm |
