1962 Lotus Elan vs. 1949 Morris Minor
To start off, 1962 Lotus Elan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1949 Morris Minor. (27 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1949 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Morris Minor weights approximately 200 kg more than 1962 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Morris Minor. (53 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 1949 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Lotus | Morris |
| Model | Elan | Minor |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 916 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2190 mm |
