Lotus Elan: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Lotus Elan catalogue contains one generation, produced from 1989 to 1995 as a Cabrio, so the buying decision is not about choosing between generations or body styles. It is about selecting one of three versions that all carry the exact database name 1.6 MT. They must therefore be distinguished by power: 1.6 MT (132 hp), 1.6 MT (158 hp), and 1.6 MT (167 hp).
The Lotus Elan catalogue contains one generation, produced from 1989 to 1995 as a Cabrio, so the buying decision is not about choosing between generations or body styles. It is about selecting one of three versions that all carry the exact database name 1.6 MT. They must therefore be distinguished by power: 1.6 MT (132 hp), 1.6 MT (158 hp), and 1.6 MT (167 hp). All use a 1588 cc Gasoline engine, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, and FWD. The 132 hp version is the lighter, non-turbo choice with measured combined consumption of 8 l/100 km. The 158 hp version adds Turbo performance but has no measured fuel-consumption figures. The 167 hp version offers the highest output while retaining the same listed 7.2-second acceleration time and 220 km/h top speed as the 158 hp car.
Lotus Elan generations and versions
The Lotus Elan has one listed generation covering 1989–1995. This generation is a Cabrio and contains three versions, all named 1.6 MT. Because there is no second generation in the data, no numerical comparison of changes between generations is possible. Likewise, no restyling is identified as a separate stage within the generation.
The meaningful comparison is within that single generation. The 1.6 MT (132 hp) is naturally aspirated, while the 1.6 MT (158 hp) and 1.6 MT (167 hp) use Turbo engines. All three share the same 1588 cc displacement, Inline 4-cylinder layout, 4 valves per cylinder, front transverse engine position, Distributed injection (multi-point), 5-speed Manual transmission, and FWD.
Lotus Elan engine and specs
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 MT (132 hp) | 132 hp (97 kW) at 7200 rpm | 142 Nm at 4200 rpm | 1588 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1.6 MT (158 hp) | 158 hp (116 kW) at 6000 rpm | 198 Nm at 4200 rpm | 1588 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 1.6 MT (167 hp) | 167 hp (123 kW) at 6500 rpm | 201 Nm at 4200 rpm | 1588 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
The 1.6 MT (132 hp) produces about 83.1 hp per litre. The 1.6 MT (158 hp) raises that figure to about 99.5 hp per litre, while the 1.6 MT (167 hp) reaches about 105.2 hp per litre. Since displacement is identical, these figures show the output advantage directly: the 158 hp Turbo version provides 26 hp and 56 Nm more than the non-turbo car, while the 167 hp Turbo version provides 35 hp and 59 Nm more.
The difference between the two Turbo choices is much smaller. The 1.6 MT (167 hp) has 9 hp and 3 Nm more than the 1.6 MT (158 hp). Both reach maximum torque at 4200 rpm, although their listed maximum-power points differ: 6000 rpm for the 158 hp version and 6500 rpm for the 167 hp version.
Lotus Elan performance and mpg
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 MT (132 hp) | 8.2 s | 196 km/h | 10.9 l/100 km | 6.9 l/100 km | 8 l/100 km |
| 1.6 MT (158 hp) | 7.2 s | 220 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 1.6 MT (167 hp) | 7.2 s | 220 km/h | 10.8 l/100 km | 6.7 l/100 km | 8.9 l/100 km |
Moving from the 1.6 MT (132 hp) to either Turbo version cuts the listed 0–100 km/h time by 1 second and increases top speed by 24 km/h. The two Turbo cars cannot be separated using the listed acceleration or maximum-speed results: both achieve 0–100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and have a top speed of 220 km/h.
For buyers prioritising documented fuel economy, the 1.6 MT (132 hp) has the lowest measured combined figure at 8 l/100 km. The 1.6 MT (167 hp) records 8.9 l/100 km combined, which is 0.9 l/100 km higher. Its city figure is 10.8 l/100 km, 0.1 l/100 km lower than the 132 hp car, and its highway figure is 6.7 l/100 km, 0.2 l/100 km lower. The consumption of the 1.6 MT (158 hp) is not measured, so it cannot be ranked honestly against the other versions for economy.
Lotus Elan dimensions, weight, and tank capacity
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 MT (132 hp) | 995 kg | not measured | 130 mm | 46 l | not measured |
| 1.6 MT (158 hp) | 1020 kg | 1270 kg | 130 mm | 46 l | not measured |
| 1.6 MT (167 hp) | 1020 kg | not measured | 130 mm | 46 l | not measured |
The 1.6 MT (132 hp) is 25 kg lighter than either Turbo version. Its weight-to-power ratio is approximately 7.54 kg per hp, compared with approximately 6.46 kg per hp for the 1.6 MT (158 hp) and 6.11 kg per hp for the 1.6 MT (167 hp). On this measure, the 167 hp version has the strongest power-to-weight relationship, even though its listed acceleration result is identical to that of the 158 hp car.
Ground clearance does not distinguish the versions because all three list 130 mm. Fuel capacity is also identical at 46 l. Wheel sizes are not measured for any version. Gross weight is recorded only for the 1.6 MT (158 hp) at 1270 kg; it is not measured for the 132 hp and 167 hp versions.
All three versions use Independent, spring suspension at the front and rear. Each has Ventilated disc front brakes and Disc rear brakes, so the listed suspension and brake specifications do not create a reason to choose one version over another.
Lotus Elan problems and reliability data
Problems and reliability are not measured in the supplied data. There are no figures for fault rates, repair frequency, component life, or maintenance costs, so none of the three 1.6 MT versions can be ranked for reliability from this catalogue information.
The engine specifications do show a clear mechanical distinction relevant to comparison: the 132 hp version has No boost and a compression ratio of 10, while both Turbo versions have a compression ratio of 8.2. All three use an 80 × 79 bore-and-stroke specification. These details identify differences in configuration, but they do not establish that any version is more or less reliable.
Which Lotus Elan version should you buy?
Choose the 1.6 MT (132 hp) if measured combined consumption and the lowest kerb weight matter more than maximum performance. It weighs 995 kg, returns a measured 8 l/100 km combined, and uses No boost. The trade-off is measurable: it takes 8.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h and tops out at 196 km/h, while both Turbo versions need 7.2 seconds and reach 220 km/h.
Choose the 1.6 MT (158 hp) if you want the full listed Turbo acceleration and top-speed improvement without treating maximum output as the main objective. It matches the 167 hp version at 7.2 seconds to 100 km/h and 220 km/h, despite producing 9 hp and 3 Nm less. Its main catalogue limitation is missing economy data: city, highway, and combined consumption are all not measured.
Choose the 1.6 MT (167 hp) if the strongest numerical engine specification is the priority. It has the highest power at 167 hp, the highest torque at 201 Nm, the highest specific output at about 105.2 hp per litre, and the best weight-to-power ratio at about 6.11 kg per hp. It is the most compelling specification-sheet choice, but its listed acceleration and top speed are no better than those of the 158 hp version.
In short, the 1.6 MT (132 hp) is the economy-led choice, the 1.6 MT (158 hp) delivers the listed Turbo performance with less engine output, and the 1.6 MT (167 hp) is the choice for maximum power and torque. No price data is supplied, so the extra money required for either Turbo version—and whether that premium represents good value—cannot be measured.