2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1987 TVR Tasmin
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 TVR Tasmin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 TVR Tasmin would be higher. At 3,528 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 TVR Tasmin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 TVR Tasmin (196 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 TVR Tasmin should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 TVR Tasmin weights approximately 166 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. 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, 1987 TVR Tasmin (301 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1987 TVR Tasmin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1987 TVR Tasmin | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Elise | Tasmin |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3528 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 71.1 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 | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2390 mm |
