1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
| Model | 100 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
