1964 Lotus Elan vs. 2004 Seat Altea
To start off, 2004 Seat Altea is newer by 40 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Seat Altea (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Seat Altea weights approximately 1075 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Seat Altea, 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, 2004 Seat Altea (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 2004 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elan | Altea |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| 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 | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
