1996 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Proton 400
To start off, both 1996 Lotus Elise and 1996 Proton 400 were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Proton 400. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Proton 400 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Because 1996 Lotus Elise 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Proton 400, 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Proton 400. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Proton 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 1996 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Lotus | Proton |
| Model | Elise | 400 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1466 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
