1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Aston Martin DB9
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 16 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 307 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin DB9 weights approximately 835 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 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Aston Martin DB9. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Aston Martin DB9 (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2012 Aston Martin DB9 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. 2012 Aston Martin DB9 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2012 Aston Martin DB9 | |
| Make | Lotus | Aston Martin |
| Model | Elan | DB9 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4709 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2746 mm |
