1960 Fairthorpe Electron vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (42 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Elan weights approximately 530 kg more than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fairthorpe Electron 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 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. 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 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fairthorpe Electron | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Lotus |
| Model | Electron | Elan |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 42 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 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 | 490 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3360 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
