1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Acura TL
To start off, 2013 Acura TL is newer by 17 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Acura TL (279 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Acura TL weights approximately 670 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 2013 Acura TL 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, 2013 Acura TL 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, 2013 Acura TL (343 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2013 Acura TL 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. 2013 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2013 Acura TL | |
| Make | Lotus | Acura |
| Model | Elan | TL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 279 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4928 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2118 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1452 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2775 mm |
