2003 Bentley Continental vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2003 Bentley Continental is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1390 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. 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, 2003 Bentley Continental (876 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 699 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite. 2003 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Bentley Continental | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Bentley | Lotus |
| Model | Continental | Elite |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 876 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 67 L |
