1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1987 TVR Type S
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 TVR Type S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 TVR Type S would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 TVR Type S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 TVR Type S (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 TVR Type S should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 TVR Type S weights approximately 195 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 TVR Type S (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 TVR Type S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1987 TVR Type S | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Elise | Type S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| 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 | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2300 mm |
