1964 Lotus Elan vs. 1988 Seat Marbella
To start off, 1988 Seat Marbella is newer by 24 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 65 more horse power than 1988 Seat Marbella. (35 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1988 Seat Marbella. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Seat Marbella weights approximately 90 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, 1988 Seat Marbella, 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Seat Marbella. (56 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1964 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Seat Marbella.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 1988 Seat Marbella | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elan | Marbella |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 843 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 56 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2170 mm |
