2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1964 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. (62 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Elise weights approximately 101 kg more than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. (91 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1964 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Elise | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 806 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
