1996 Lotus Elise vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 116 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Lotus Elan weights approximately 145 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
