1949 Allard J1 vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,917 cc (8 cylinders), 1949 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1949 Allard J1. (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1949 Allard J1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Allard J1 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1949 Allard J1 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1949 Allard J1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1949 Allard J1 (306 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1949 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Allard J1 | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Allard | Lotus |
| Model | J1 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 65 L |
