1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2004 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Porsche 911 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 3,824 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Porsche 911 weights approximately 901 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Porsche 911 (400 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2004 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elan | 911 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 288 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
