UK vs United Kingdom — 1996 vs 2015
| Elise S1 | Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 189 hp |
| Torque | 121 lb-ft | 133 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,796 cc | 1,798 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 sec | 4.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 126 mph | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.8 sec | 12.9 sec |
| Weight | — | 1,980 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,300 mm | 2,301 mm |
| Length | 3,726 mm | 3,785 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 850 |
| Original MSRP | — | $48,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $58,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
The 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1996 Lotus Elise S1 counters with its unique character, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Tracing the evolution of the Lotus Elise from 1996 to 2015 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Lotus. The 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 189 hp compared to 118 hp, a 71-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Elise uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V displacing 1,796 cc, while the Lotus Elise Sport 190 relies on a 1.8L Supercharged I4 with 1,798 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 edges ahead at 4.2 seconds versus 5.9 seconds. From a collectibility standpoint, the 2015 Lotus Elise Sport 190 Sport 190 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.