2006 Aston Martin DB9 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Aston Martin DB9 (444 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Aston Martin DB9 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Aston Martin DB9 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 2006 Aston Martin DB9. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2006 Aston Martin DB9 (570 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Aston Martin DB9 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Lotus |
| Model | DB9 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2260 mm |
