1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2005 Mini Cooper is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mini Cooper (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mini Cooper weights approximately 535 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mini Cooper, 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, 2005 Mini Cooper (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2005 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Lotus Elan | 2005 Mini Cooper | |
Make | Lotus | Mini |
Model | Elan | Cooper |
Year Released | 1962 | 2005 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 150 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 85.8 mm |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1125 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2470 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |