1996 Lotus Elise (Series 1) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1996
Production Years:1995 - 2000 discontinued in 2000
1202 mm47.3 in3.9 ft
L: 3726 - 3734 mm146.7 - 147.0 in12.2 - 12.3 ft | W: 1701 mm67.0 in5.6 ft
Length
3726 - 3734 mm146.7 - 147.0 in12.2 - 12.3 ft
Width
1701 mm67.0 in5.6 ft
Height
1202 mm47.3 in3.9 ft
Trunk Capacity
210 liter7.4 cu ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1996 Lotus Elise, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:3726 - 3734 mm146.7 - 147.0 in12.2 - 12.3 ft
Width:1701 mm67.0 in5.6 ft
Height:1202 mm47.3 in3.9 ft
Trunk Capacity:210 liter7.4 cu ft
Weight Specifications
Curb Weight:690 - 770 kg1521 - 1698 lbs
Maximal permitted Weight:940 - 1010 kg2072 - 2227 lbs
Tire Specifications
Rims Size:16
Tire Sizes:185/55 R16 (W:185 | H:55 | D:16)
205/50 R16 (W:205 | H:50 | D:16)
225/45 R16 (W:225 | H:45 | D:16)
Useful Information

About 1996 Lotus Elise

The Lotus Elise Series 1, produced from 1995 to 2000 with the first model year in 1996, is a quintessential British roadster renowned for its lightweight construction and agile handling. The Elise Series 1 embodies Lotus’s engineering philosophy of 'performance through light weight', with a curb weight ranging between 690 to 770 kg (1521 to 1698 lbs), making it exceptionally nimble compared to typical sports cars. Its compact dimensions include a length that varies slightly between 3726 mm and 3734 mm (146.6 to 147 inches), a width of 1701 mm (67 inches), and a remarkably low height of only 1202 mm (47.3 inches). This low stature contributes significantly to its aerodynamic efficiency and improves road grip.

Exceptional Features

1996 Lotus Elise Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1996 Lotus Elise a leader in its class

Lightweight Construction

The 1996 Lotus Elise Series 1 features a bonded and riveted aluminum chassis and a lightweight fiberglass body, resulting in a total curb weight of around 725 kg (1,598 lbs), enhancing agility and performance.

Engine and Performance

Powered by a 1.8-liter Rover K-series inline-four engine producing around 118 horsepower, the Elise offers a spirited driving experience with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.8 seconds.

Suspension and Handling

Equipped with double wishbone suspension front and rear, along with a well-tuned chassis, the Series 1 Elise delivers exceptional handling and precise steering for an engaging drive.

Minimalist Interior

The interior emphasizes simplicity and function, featuring lightweight seats and basic instrumentation without luxury frills, prioritizing driving experience over comfort.

Distinctive Styling

The Elise Series 1 boasts a sleek, aerodynamic design with a low, wide stance and distinctive rounded nose, contributing to its iconic and timeless sports car appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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The Lotus Elise Series 1, produced from 1995 to 2000, measures between 3726 mm to 3734 mm in length (approximately 146.7 to 147 inches). This compact length contributes to its agile handling characteristics and lightweight sports car design. The slight variation in length across models or versions may be attributed to minor adjustments in bumpers or aerodynamic components during the production run.

The Lotus Elise Series 1 has a width of 1701 mm (about 67 inches). This relatively narrow width enhances the car's nimbleness and allows for easier maneuvering through tight corners and narrow roads, which is ideal for a lightweight roadster. The narrow stance, paired with its low weight, contributes to a responsive driving feel, although it may feel less spacious inside for passengers compared to wider sports cars.

With a height of 1202 mm (approximately 47.3 inches), the Lotus Elise Series 1 sits quite low to the ground. This low height improves aerodynamics by reducing air resistance and lowering the center of gravity. The low profile enhances handling stability during high-speed cornering, making the Elise an engaging driver's car. However, the low roofline also means limited headroom and a sporty seating position, requiring drivers to be comfortable with a low-slung cockpit.

The curb weight of the Lotus Elise Series 1 ranges from 690 kg to 770 kg (about 1,521 to 1,698 pounds). This remarkably light weight is fundamental to the Elise’s philosophy as a pure sports car. Being lightweight ensures outstanding agility, quick acceleration, and excellent fuel efficiency. Lotus achieved this through a minimalist design, extensive use of aluminum and composite materials, and the absence of heavy luxury features, creating a car that's highly responsive and thrilling to drive.

The Lotus Elise Series 1 offers a luggage capacity of 210 liters (approximately 7.4 cubic feet). This space is quite modest and suits small bags or essentials for short trips. While the Elise excels as a weekend or track-focused sports car, its luggage capacity is limited, so it is not ideal for long-distance touring or carrying large amounts of cargo. The compact cabin and focus on performance mean practicality is secondary in this roadster’s design.

The Lotus Elise Series 1 typically runs on 16-inch rims with tire sizes including 185/55 R16 at the front and either 205/50 R16 or 225/45 R16 at the rear. These specific tire dimensions provide a balance between grip, responsiveness, and ride comfort. The wider tires at the rear help with traction, especially since the Elise has a rear-wheel-drive layout, enhancing exit stability out of corners. The combination supports the car's lightweight chassis and precise handling characteristics without compromising agility.

Given its compact dimensions—length between 3726 and 3734 mm (146.7 to 147 inches), width of 1701 mm (67 inches), and height of 1202 mm (47.3 inches)—the Lotus Elise Series 1 fits comfortably in a standard residential garage. Standard single garages typically measure around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (about 8 to 9 feet) in width and 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) in length, leaving ample room for this low-profile two-seater roadster, even with opening doors and some additional clearance for ease of access.

The Lotus Elise Series 1 was essentially the initial model for this line, launched as a fresh design from 1995 with no direct predecessor under the same Elise nameplate. However, when comparing it to Lotus's prior sports cars, it was significantly lighter and smaller, setting new benchmarks in lightweight engineering. The Elise capitalized on innovative construction techniques which made it lighter and more compact than earlier Lotus roadsters like the Lotus Elan or Esprit, thus redefining Lotus’s focus on minimalism and driver engagement.

The Lotus Elise Series 1 was one of the lightest and smallest sports cars available during its production from 1995 to 2000. Dimensionally, its length of about 3.7 meters (12.2 feet) and weight under 770 kg (around 1,700 pounds) were markedly smaller and lighter than many contemporary lightweight roadsters like the Mazda MX-5 Miata or the BMW Z3, which were heavier and larger. This downsizing resulted in a sharper, more connected driving experience focused on agility rather than outright power. The Elise’s minimalist design philosophy made it stand out as an agile, track-capable roadster rather than an all-round sports car.

The Lotus Elise Series 1 is celebrated for its remarkable lightweight engineering, precise handling, and open-roadster experience. Produced between 1995 and 2000, it features a minimalist approach prioritizing driver engagement over luxury. The car uses an aluminum chassis bonded with fiberglass panels, resulting in outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. Its compact size, low center of gravity, and rear-wheel-drive layout make it exceptionally nimble. The Elise’s simplicity, combined with its sharp feedback, helped revive the Lotus brand and appeal to sports car enthusiasts who value pure driving enjoyment over raw power or comfort.

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