1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1964 Lotus Elan is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa would be higher. At 2,953 cc (12 cylinders), 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa (296 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa weights approximately 210 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan. 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, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa (300 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 250 Testarossa | Elan |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2953 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.8 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 140 L | 45 L |
