1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 26 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 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 731 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000, 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (216 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1963 Lotus Elan | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
Make | Lotus | Saab |
Model | Elan | 9000 |
Year Released | 1963 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2290 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 216 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 199 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 | 594 kg | 1325 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 38 L |