1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1952 Triumph TR2
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Triumph TR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Triumph TR2 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1952 Triumph TR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1952 Triumph TR2. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1952 Triumph TR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Triumph TR2 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Triumph TR2. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Triumph TR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1952 Triumph TR2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Elise | TR2 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1952 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2250 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 56 L |
