1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Tata Safari
To start off, 2012 Tata Safari 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 2,179 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Tata Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Tata Safari. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Tata Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Tata Safari weights approximately 900 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 2012 Tata Safari 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, 2012 Tata Safari 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, 2012 Tata Safari (320 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Tata Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2012 Tata Safari | |
| Make | Lotus | Tata |
| Model | Elan | Safari |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1918 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2660 mm |
