2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Elan weights approximately 145 kg more than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Because 2007 Lotus Exige 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 Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Elan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | 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 | 189 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2260 mm |
