1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 1998 Saab 05-Sep is newer by 35 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Saab 05-Sep (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Saab 05-Sep should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 891 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, 1998 Saab 05-Sep, 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, 1998 Saab 05-Sep (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1998 Saab 05-Sep 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. 1998 Saab 05-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1998 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elan | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 75 L |
