1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2004 Mini One
To start off, 2004 Mini One is newer by 41 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mini One is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 Mini One. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2004 Mini One. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mini One weights approximately 446 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, 2004 Mini One, 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, 2004 Mini One (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Mini One will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2004 Mini One | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elan | One |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
