1960 Lotus Elite vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1968 Lotus Elan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Lotus Elan weights approximately 268 kg more than 1960 Lotus Elite. 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elite | Elan |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 45 L |
