1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1990 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1990 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 24 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 46 more horse power than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 234 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1990 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1990 Suzuki Samurai 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1990 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Elan | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2490 mm |
