1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1982 Porsche 944
To start off, 1982 Porsche 944 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Porsche 944 (151 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Porsche 944 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1968 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, 1982 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1982 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elan | 944 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 66 L |
