1996 Lotus Elise vs. 1971 Rover 2000
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover 2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover 2000 would be higher. At 1,978 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Rover 2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1971 Rover 2000. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Rover 2000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Rover 2000 weights approximately 590 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, 1971 Rover 2000 (172 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Rover 2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 1971 Rover 2000 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elise | 2000 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
