1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Opel Corsa
To start off, 2011 Opel Corsa is newer by 49 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 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2011 Opel Corsa. (88 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2011 Opel Corsa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Opel Corsa weights approximately 640 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
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, 2011 Opel Corsa, 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Opel Corsa. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Opel Corsa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2011 Opel Corsa | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elan | Corsa |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
