1961 Berkeley Twosome vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1971 Lotus Elan is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Berkeley Twosome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Berkeley Twosome would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1961 Berkeley Twosome. (49 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1961 Berkeley Twosome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lotus Elan weights approximately 552 kg more than 1961 Berkeley Twosome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Berkeley Twosome. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Berkeley Twosome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Berkeley Twosome | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | Twosome | Elan |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 318 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1780 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 59 L |
