1956 Jensen 541 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1956 Jensen 541. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1956 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Jensen 541 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1956 Jensen 541 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 1956 Jensen 541. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1956 Jensen 541 (265 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1956 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Jensen 541 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Jensen | Lotus |
Model | 541 | Elan |
Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 265 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |