2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lotus Elise weights approximately 316 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Lotus Elise | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Elise | Elite |
Year Released | 2006 | 1959 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1803 cc | 1216 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 187 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1510 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1190 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2240 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 29 L |