2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1972 Rover 3.5. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 685 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, 1972 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elise | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2820 mm |
