1964 Lotus Elan vs. 1980 Talbot Horizon
To start off, 1980 Talbot Horizon is newer by 16 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1980 Talbot Horizon. (57 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Talbot Horizon weights approximately 355 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, 1980 Talbot Horizon, 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1964 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Talbot Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 1980 Talbot Horizon | |
| Make | Lotus | Talbot |
| Model | Elan | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 47 L |
