2001 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Rover 400
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 400 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Rover 400. (109 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 400.
Because 2001 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Rover 400, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 400. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 1996 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elise | 400 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
