2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 43 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), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 340 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
