1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2007 Opel Vectra is newer by 45 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Vectra weights approximately 880 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, 2007 Opel Vectra, 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, 2007 Opel Vectra (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Lotus Elan | 2007 Opel Vectra | |
Make | Lotus | Opel |
Model | Elan | Vectra |
Year Released | 1962 | 2007 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 173 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 265 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4600 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |