1968 Innocenti J4 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1968 Innocenti J4 is newer by 2 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 58 more horse power than 1968 Innocenti J4. (57 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1968 Innocenti J4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Innocenti J4 weights approximately 154 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, 1968 Innocenti J4, 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Innocenti J4. (82 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Innocenti J4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Innocenti J4 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Innocenti | Lotus |
| Model | J4 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
