2003 Lexus SC vs. 1993 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Lexus SC is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,294 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus SC (290 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1993 Lotus Elan. (164 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1993 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus SC weights approximately 720 kg more than 1993 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Lexus SC 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 2003 Lexus SC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 2003 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lotus Elan. 2003 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 1993 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1993 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus SC | 1993 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lexus | Lotus |
| Model | SC | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2260 mm |
