Lotus Elise Series 1 1.8 i 16V (120 Hp)
People\'s Opinion
N/A / 5
Lotus Elise:
The Lotus Elise GT1 is a race car developed for grand tourer-style sports car racing starting in 1997.
Lotus Cars had previously been using the Lotus Esprit GT1—a racing version of their Lotus Esprit road car—in the BPR Global GT Series since its foundation in 1994, competing in the premier GT1 class against the likes of the McLaren F1 GTR, Venturi 600LM, Ferrari F40 GTE and others. However, in 1997, the series came to be known as the FIA GT Championship and manufacturer involvement was increased with the new international exposure. Porsche was the first to start a new breed of racing cars in 1996, with their purpose-built homologation special known as the 911 GT1. This was quickly followed by the announcement that Mercedes-Benz planned to do the same with their CLK GTR for 1997....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Series 1 Overview:
Lotus Elise (Series 1). With 165 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.6 l/100km). Weighing only 690 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.9 s). The top speed reaches 202 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
Performance Verdict
The original K-series engine provides spirited performance for the lightweight chassis, delivering an engaging driving experience with a 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Its power-to-weight ratio is excellent for its class.
Fuel Economy
Impressive fuel economy for a sports car, especially on extra-urban cycles (5.7 l/100 km), making it relatively efficient for its performance and suitable for spirited road trips.
Best Use Case:
Spirited Road Driving / Weekend Track Days
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unrivaled handling and steering feel
- • Extremely lightweight and agile chassis
- • Pure, unfiltered driving experience
- • Iconic design and classic status
- • Strong performance-to-weight ratio
Cons:
- • Minimal comfort and practicality
- • Known K-series head gasket issues (can be mitigated)
- • Challenging ingress/egress
- • Limited luggage space
- • Basic interior amenities
Specifications:
| General: |
| Brand: | Lotus |
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| Model: | Elise |
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| Generation: | Series 1 |
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| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 i 16V (120 Hp) |
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| Start of production: | 1995 |
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| End of production: | 2000 |
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| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
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| Body type: | Roadster |
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| Seats: | 2 |
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| Doors: | 2 |
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| Engine: |
| Power: | 120 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
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| Power per litre: | 66.8 Hp/l |
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| Torque: | 165 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
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| Engine Model/Code: | K16 (18K4F) |
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| Engine displacement: | 1796 |
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| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
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| Engine configuration: | Inline |
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| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
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| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
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| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
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| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
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| Coolant: | 8 l |
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| Engine layout: | Middle, Longitudinal |
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| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
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| Piston Stroke: | 89.3 mm mm |
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| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
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| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
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| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.6 l/100 km |
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| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.7 l/100 km |
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| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.9 sec |
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| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.9 sec |
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| Maximum speed: | 202 km/h |
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| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.8 kg/Hp, 173.9 Hp/tonne |
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| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.2 kg/Nm, 239.1 Nm/tonne |
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| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.8 sec |
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| Space: |
| Kerb Weight: | 690 |
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| Max. weight: | 940 |
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| Max load: | 250 |
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| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 210 l |
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| Fuel tank capacity: | 36 l |
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| Size: |
| Length: | 3726 mm mm |
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| Width: | 1701 mm mm |
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| Height: | 1202 mm mm |
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| Wheelbase: | 2300 mm mm |
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| Front track: | 1440 mm |
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| Rear (Back) track: | 1453 mm |
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| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 5 |
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| Transmission type | Manual |
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| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
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| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
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| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
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| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
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| Tires size | 185/55 R16; 205/50 R16 |
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| Wheel rims size | 16 |
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| Front suspension | Coil spring |
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| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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If you could change one thing about the Lotus Elise, what would it be?