2004 Lotus Elise vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Elise weights approximately 160 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
