1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica would be higher. At 3,967 cc (12 cylinders), 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Elan. (165 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica weights approximately 570 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica 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 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. 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, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
Model | 400 Superamerica | Elan |
Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3967 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 335 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2260 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 119 L | 65 L |