1959 Berkeley Twosome vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1966 Lotus Elan is newer by 7 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 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (49 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Lotus Elan weights approximately 378 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 1966 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 1966 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 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 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | Twosome | Elan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 691 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 318 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1780 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 45 L |
