1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1996 Xedos 6
To start off, 1996 Xedos 6 is newer by 30 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Xedos 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1996 Xedos 6. (106 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1996 Xedos 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Xedos 6 weights approximately 444 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, 1996 Xedos 6, 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Xedos 6. (138 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Xedos 6. 1996 Xedos 6 has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Xedos 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1996 Xedos 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Xedos |
| Model | Elan | 6 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2620 mm |
