1957 Fairthorpe Electron 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 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron. (83 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 347 kg more than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron. 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron. (99 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fairthorpe Electron.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fairthorpe Electron | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Lotus |
| Model | Electron | Elan |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 542 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
