2003 Lancia Thesis vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis is newer by 7 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2003 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 800 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 Lancia Thesis (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2003 Lancia Thesis 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. 2003 Lancia Thesis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lancia Thesis | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thesis | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2260 mm |
