1946 Daimler DE 36 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1946 Daimler DE 36. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1946 Daimler DE 36 would be higher. At 5,459 cc (8 cylinders), 1946 Daimler DE 36 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1946 Daimler DE 36 (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1946 Daimler DE 36 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1946 Daimler DE 36 weights approximately 1993 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1946 Daimler DE 36 (342 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1946 Daimler DE 36 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1946 Daimler DE 36 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Daimler | Lotus |
| Model | DE 36 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1946 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5459 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 120 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2693 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3740 mm | 2140 mm |
