Verified Performance Tests Updated Apr 2026 · 2 recorded runs

Lotus Elite 0–60 Times

The Lotus Elite 0–60 times and quarter mile times below are from 2 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver and Road & Track and more.

The fastest tested Lotus Elite is the 1974 Lotus Elite 3-door Hatchback, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 16.70 seconds at 83.5 mph, according to Car and Driver.

The slowest tested Lotus Elite is the 1975 Lotus Elite 3-door Hatchback, which took 11.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 18.40 seconds at 78.0 mph, according to Road & Track.

Out of all the Lotus Elite tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 9.85 seconds The average quarter mile time is 17.55 seconds at 80.75 mph.

Fastest 0–60 8.6sec 1974 3-door Hatchback

Average 0–60 9.85sec Across 2 runs

Avg ¼ Mile 17.55sec @ 80.8 mph trap

Slowest 0–60 11.1sec 1975 3-door Hatchback

Across 2 verified runs, the Lotus Elite ranges from 8.6 to 11.1 seconds 0–60, with a 9.85-second average.

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Tests by model year

2 tests · 2 years

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1975

Lotus Elite · 1 verified run

Avg 0–60 11.10 sec

Avg ¼ Mile 18.40 sec

Recorded Tests 1

#02

1975 Lotus Elite 3-door Hatchback

11.1sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

18.40s ¼ mi @ 78.0 mph

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0–60 mph 11.10 sec

¼ Mile ET 18.40 sec

Trap Speed 78.0 mph

Engine 2.0L I-4

Drivetrain RWD

Transmission 5M

Production Vehicle

Body Type Hatchback

Powertrain Gasoline

Test Source Road & Track

Overall Rank #2 of 2

1974

Lotus Elite · 1 verified run

Avg 0–60 8.60 sec

Avg ¼ Mile 16.70 sec

Recorded Tests 1

#01

1974 Lotus Elite 3-door Hatchback

8.6sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

16.70s ¼ mi @ 83.5 mph

▾

0–60 mph 8.60 sec

¼ Mile ET 16.70 sec

Trap Speed 83.5 mph

Engine 2.0L I-4

Drivetrain RWD

Transmission 5M

Production Vehicle

Body Type Hatchback

Powertrain Gasoline

Test Source Car and Driver

Overall Rank #1 of 2

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Performance distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster

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Frequently asked

6 questions

The quickest Lotus Elite on record is the 1974 Lotus Elite 3-door Hatchback, which runs 0–60 mph in 8.6 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in 16.70 seconds at 83.5 mph.

The slowest recorded Lotus Elite is the 1975 Lotus Elite 3-door Hatchback, which takes 11.1 seconds to reach 60 mph and runs 18.40 seconds in the quarter.

Averaged across all 2 verified runs, a Lotus Elite reaches 60 mph in 9.85 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 17.55 seconds at roughly 80.8 mph.

We have verified test data for 2 model years. Each year shows every recorded run, the publication that measured it, and the trim-level details.

Every figure is sourced from published road tests by Car and Driver and Road & Track. We don't use manufacturer claims — only independently timed runs — so the numbers reflect what the car actually does.

0–60 and quarter-mile results depend on driver technique, ambient temperature, tire condition, road surface, altitude, and testing instrumentation. A published figure is a single sample, not an absolute — which is why we show the range of verified runs rather than one number.

Sources

Car and Driver

Road & Track

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Lotus Elite can do, not a single marketing claim.

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Other Lotus models

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