1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 479 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
