1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Ascari KZ1
To start off, 2007 Ascari KZ1 is newer by 41 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Ascari KZ1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ascari KZ1 (500 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 385 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ascari KZ1 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ascari KZ1 weights approximately 654 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Ascari KZ1 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Ascari KZ1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2007 Ascari KZ1 | |
| Make | Lotus | Ascari |
| Model | Elan | KZ1 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1138 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2636 mm |
