1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (408 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 400 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 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. 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 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elan | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2350 mm |
