2003 Lotus Elise vs. 1966 Triumph Vitesse
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Triumph Vitesse would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Triumph Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1966 Triumph Vitesse. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1966 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Triumph Vitesse weights approximately 186 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
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 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Triumph Vitesse. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 1966 Triumph Vitesse | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Elise | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 74.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 29 L |
