1961 Lancia Flavia 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 Lancia Flavia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Lancia Flavia would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1961 Lancia Flavia. (76 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1961 Lancia Flavia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Lancia Flavia weights approximately 490 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Lancia Flavia. (115 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Lancia Flavia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Lancia Flavia | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Flavia | Elan |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
