1964 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 42 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mini Cooper weights approximately 625 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, 2006 Mini Cooper, 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, 2006 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan. 2006 Mini Cooper has automatic transmission and 1964 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1964 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1964 Lotus Elan | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
Make | Lotus | Mini |
Model | Elan | Cooper |
Year Released | 1964 | 2006 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 85.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1215 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3660 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2470 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |