2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1986 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 145 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 1986 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1986 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Elise | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 40 L |
