1954 Jeep CJ vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Jeep CJ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Jeep CJ would be higher. At 3,151 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Jeep CJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1954 Jeep CJ. (62 HP @ 3000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1954 Jeep CJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Jeep CJ weights approximately 160 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1954 Jeep CJ is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1954 Jeep CJ will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Jeep CJ. (179 Nm @ 1350 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Jeep CJ.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Jeep CJ | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Jeep | Lotus |
| Model | CJ | Elan |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3151 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1350 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3520 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2260 mm |
