1959 Berkeley Twosome vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1962 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Twosome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Twosome would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (18 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Lotus Elan weights approximately 285 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Twosome, 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (37 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Twosome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Twosome | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | Twosome | Elan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 328 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 305 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2140 mm |
