2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Proton 400
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Proton 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Proton 400 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1996 Proton 400. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Proton 400 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Proton 400, 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 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Proton 400. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Proton 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1996 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Lotus | Proton |
| Model | Elise | 400 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1466 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
