2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1972 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,341 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Porsche 911 (131 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Porsche 911 weights approximately 292 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. 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, 1972 Porsche 911 (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1972 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elise | 911 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
