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Lotus Elan II (M100) 1.6 i 16V (132 Hp)
Overall Rating
Lotus Elan:
Lotus Elan is the name of two separate ranges of automobiles produced by Lotus Cars. The first series of cars was produced between 1962 and 1975 as a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The second series was produced between 1989 and 1995 as a front-wheel drive vehicle.
After the S2 was released the original Elan 1500 and Elan 1600 models were typically referred to as the S1 although the car was never explicitly marketed as such. Today, all models are often cited collectively as the 1960s Elans....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II (M100) Overview:
Lotus Elan (II (M100)). With 142 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.9 l/100km). Weighing only 995 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.2 s). The top speed reaches 196 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.6 i 16V (132 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
While less powerful than its turbocharged siblings, this naturally aspirated engine still provides a rev-happy and pure driving feel, requiring higher RPMs for peak performance.
Fuel Economy
The most fuel-efficient option in the lineup, offering slightly better economy due to its non-turbocharged nature.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional handling and steering feedback (FWD done right)
- • Punchy turbocharged Isuzu engines
- • Unique and distinctive styling
- • Relatively rare and collectible
- • Good power-to-weight ratio
Cons:
- • Front-wheel drive may deter some purists
- • Limited interior space and practicality
- • Parts availability can be challenging for some components
- • Lotus build quality and electrical issues can arise
- • Firm ride may not suit all drivers
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (M100): 1989 - 1992).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lotus |
| Model: | Elan |
| Generation: | II (M100) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 i 16V (132 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1991 |
| End of production: | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 132 Hp @ 7200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 83.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 142 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 4XE1-M More details about the engine 4XE1-M |
| Engine displacement: | 1588 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 6.25 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 79 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 196 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.5 kg/Hp, 132.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7 kg/Nm, 142.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 995 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 46 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3900 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1735 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1230 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2250 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1485 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/50 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the Lotus Elan live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!