1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1993 Mitsubishi Magna
To start off, 1993 Mitsubishi Magna is newer by 30 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 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mitsubishi Magna (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mitsubishi Magna should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 741 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, 1993 Mitsubishi Magna, 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, 1993 Mitsubishi Magna (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1993 Mitsubishi Magna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1993 Mitsubishi Magna has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1993 Mitsubishi Magna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1993 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elan | Magna |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2730 mm |
