2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Lotus 340 R
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus 340 R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus 340 R would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus 340 R (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus 340 R should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 275 kg more than 1998 Lotus 340 R.
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, 1998 Lotus 340 R (198 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (181 Nm). This means 1998 Lotus 340 R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1998 Lotus 340 R | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | 340 R |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 72 L |
