1961 Holden FB Special vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Holden FB Special. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Holden FB Special would be higher. At 2,262 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Holden FB Special is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1961 Holden FB Special. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1961 Holden FB Special. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Holden FB Special weights approximately 211 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1961 Holden FB Special (163 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Holden FB Special will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Holden FB Special | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | FB Special | Elan |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
