1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Rover 25
To start off, 1999 Rover 25 is newer by 33 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 1,950 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Rover 25 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1999 Rover 25. (104 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1999 Rover 25. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Rover 25 weights approximately 434 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, 1999 Rover 25, 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, 1999 Rover 25 (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Rover 25 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1999 Rover 25 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elan | 25 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
