2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Elan weights approximately 270 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Elan |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2260 mm |
