2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1955 Triumph TR3
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Triumph TR3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1955 Triumph TR3. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1955 Triumph TR3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Triumph TR3 weights approximately 43 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Triumph TR3. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Triumph TR3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1955 Triumph TR3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Elise | TR3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 29 L |
