1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester is newer by 47 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Forester (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Forester weights approximately 845 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 2009 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Subaru Forester (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2009 Subaru Forester 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. 2009 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2009 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elan | Forester |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
