1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 398 kg more than 1999 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise. 1974 Lotus Eclat has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 67 L |
