1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1971 Lotus Elan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 would be higher. At 2,584 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 (143 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 2600 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2584 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 59 L |
