2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 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 89 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 99 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
Make | Lotus | Porsche |
Model | Elise | 356 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 121 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 66 mm |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2110 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |