1964 Lotus Elan vs. 1970 Saab 99
To start off, 1970 Saab 99 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,709 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1970 Saab 99. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Saab 99 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Because 1964 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 1964 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Saab 99, 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, 1964 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Saab 99. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1964 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Saab 99.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 1970 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elan | 99 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1709 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 54 L |
