1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2005 Saab 03-Sep 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saab 03-Sep (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 959 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 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 Saab 03-Sep, 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 Saab 03-Sep (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2005 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elan | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 220 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 | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
