1960 Lotus Elite vs. 1981 Subaru Coupe
To start off, 1981 Subaru Coupe is newer by 21 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Subaru Coupe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Subaru Coupe. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Subaru Coupe weights approximately 333 kg more than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Because 1960 Lotus Elite 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 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Subaru Coupe, 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, 1981 Subaru Coupe (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Subaru Coupe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite. 1981 Subaru Coupe has automatic transmission and 1960 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1960 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Subaru Coupe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 1981 Subaru Coupe | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elite | Coupe |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2470 mm |
