1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1977 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1977 Suzuki LJ 50 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1977 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1977 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Suzuki LJ 50 weights approximately 146 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1977 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1963 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Suzuki LJ 50 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Suzuki LJ 50. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Suzuki LJ 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1977 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Elan | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1977 |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 1940 mm |
