1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2003 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2003 Subaru Forester is newer by 37 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Forester (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Forester weights approximately 689 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.
Because 2003 Subaru Forester 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, 2003 Subaru Forester 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, 2003 Subaru Forester (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 2003 Subaru Forester 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. 2003 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2003 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elan | Forester |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
