1964 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. (76 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Elan weights approximately 370 kg more than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Mini Cooper | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Elan |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
