1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1977 Simca 1100
To start off, 1977 Simca 1100 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan 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 71 more horse power than 1977 Simca 1100. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1977 Simca 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Simca 1100 weights approximately 184 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Simca 1100, 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Simca 1100. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Simca 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1977 Simca 1100 | |
| Make | Lotus | Simca |
| Model | Elan | 1100 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 65 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 42 L |
