UK vs UK — 1958 vs 1956
| Elite Type 14 | Eleven Le Mans | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 83 hp | 83 hp |
| Torque | 80 lb-ft | 70 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,216 cc | 1,098 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.4 sec | 9.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.8 sec | 17.0 sec |
| Weight | 1,113 lbs | 1,001 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,235 mm | 2,235 mm |
| Length | 3,683 mm | 3,505 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,030 | 270 |
| Original MSRP | $3,895 | $2,800 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $400,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Numbers favor the 1956 Lotus Eleven Le Mans with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1958 Lotus Elite Type 14 offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Lotus has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1958 Lotus Elite Type 14 with the 1956 Lotus Eleven Le Mans highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1958 Lotus Elite Type 14 producing 83 hp and the 1956 Lotus Eleven Le Mans delivering 83 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Elite uses a Inline-4 SOHC (Coventry Climax FWE) displacing 1,216 cc, while the Lotus Eleven relies on a Inline-4 SOHC with 1,098 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 Lotus Eleven Le Mans edges ahead at 9.5 seconds versus 11.4 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 270 units built, the 1956 Lotus Eleven Le Mans is considerably scarcer than the Lotus Elite's 1,030 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 Lotus Eleven Le Mans commands a significant premium over the 1958 Lotus Elite Type 14, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.