1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1994 Mini MK VI
To start off, 1994 Mini MK VI is newer by 31 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 59 more horse power than 1994 Mini MK VI. (41 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1994 Mini MK VI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mini MK VI weights approximately 26 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
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, 1994 Mini MK VI, 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mini MK VI. (68 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mini MK VI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1994 Mini MK VI | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elan | MK VI |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2040 mm |
