2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 105 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Eclat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 67 L |
