2002 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2002 Land Rover Discovery is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,950 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Land Rover Discovery (181 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 1000 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Land Rover Discovery will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Land Rover Discovery (340 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2002 Land Rover Discovery has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Land Rover Discovery will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Land Rover Discovery | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lotus |
| Model | Discovery | Elan |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3950 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2260 mm |
