2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Lotus Elan weights approximately 170 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 1994 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, 1994 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1994 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 | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1994 |
| 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 | 189 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 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 |
