1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1958 Morris Minor
To start off, 1966 Lotus Elan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1958 Morris Minor. (36 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1958 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Morris Minor weights approximately 129 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Morris Minor. (66 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1958 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Lotus | Morris |
| Model | Elan | Minor |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
