1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Mini One
To start off, 2006 Mini One is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. 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 42 more horse power than 2006 Mini One. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini One. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mini One weights approximately 470 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, 2006 Mini One, 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, 2006 Mini One (181 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mini One will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 2006 Mini One | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elise | One |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 13.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
