1957 Lancia Aurelia vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lancia Aurelia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lancia Aurelia would be higher. At 2,451 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Lancia Aurelia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1957 Lancia Aurelia. (116 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1957 Lancia Aurelia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Lancia Aurelia weights approximately 40 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1957 Lancia Aurelia 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 1957 Lancia Aurelia. 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lancia Aurelia. (186 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lancia Aurelia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lancia Aurelia | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Aurelia | Elan |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2260 mm |
