2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 374 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Elite |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 29 L |
