1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2013 Mini Cooper 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mini Cooper weights approximately 265 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mini Cooper (260 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2013 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elan | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3961 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1432 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2547 mm |
