1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 40 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. (97 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 654 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, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elan | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
