1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan 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 249 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 85 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan. 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 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 276 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| 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 | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2140 mm |
