2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1974 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1974 Porsche 911. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Porsche 911 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2008 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 Porsche 911 (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1974 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1974 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elise | 911 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 79 L |
