1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Mini One
To start off, 2005 Mini One is newer by 39 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 41 more horse power than 2005 Mini One. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Mini One. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mini One weights approximately 479 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, 2005 Mini One, 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, 2005 Mini One (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mini One will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2005 Mini One | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elan | One |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
