2003 Lexus IS vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 960 kg more than 1959 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 Lexus IS (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 2003 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Lexus | Lotus |
| Model | IS | Elite |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 29 L |
