1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2013 Subaru Forester 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 2,500 cc (16 cylinders), 2013 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Subaru Forester (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Subaru Forester weights approximately 460 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2013 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elan | Forester |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 16 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2615 mm |
