2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Elan weights approximately 235 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.
Because 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Lotus Elise | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Elise | Elan |
Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2260 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 65 L |