1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Porsche 911
To start off, 1998 Porsche 911 is newer by 32 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 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Porsche 911 (537 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 422 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Porsche 911 weights approximately 454 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Porsche 911 (600 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 453 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1998 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elan | 911 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 537 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 310 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 100 L |
