1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 1960 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 278 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 93 kg more than 1960 Lotus Elite. 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (351 Nm) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 1960 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elite |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 71 HP |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 582 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2240 mm |
