1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1980 Suzuki Jimny
To start off, 1980 Suzuki Jimny is newer by 14 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 67 more horse power than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Suzuki Jimny weights approximately 109 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1980 Suzuki Jimny is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1966 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Suzuki Jimny will offer significantly more control. 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Suzuki Jimny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1980 Suzuki Jimny | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Elan | Jimny |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2040 mm |
