2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1990 Rover 400
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Rover 400 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 (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1990 Rover 400. (94 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1990 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Rover 400 weights approximately 241 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1990 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elise | 400 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
