2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan 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 (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Elan. (165 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Elan weights approximately 124 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2007 Lotus Elise | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Elise | Elan |
Year Released | 2007 | 1989 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 187 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2260 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |