1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1976 Triumph Dolomite
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Triumph Dolomite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Triumph Dolomite would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1976 Triumph Dolomite. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1976 Triumph Dolomite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Triumph Dolomite weights approximately 221 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Triumph Dolomite. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Triumph Dolomite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1976 Triumph Dolomite | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Elise | Dolomite |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
