1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Lotus Evora
To start off, 2013 Lotus Evora 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. In terms of performance, 2013 Lotus Evora (345 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Lotus Evora should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Lotus Evora weights approximately 420 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 Lotus Evora 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 2013 Lotus Evora. 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, 2013 Lotus Evora (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Lotus Evora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2013 Lotus Evora | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Evora |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4361 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2047 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1229 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2575 mm |
