1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1999 Opel Meriva is newer by 31 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 495 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Because 1968 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva, 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Lotus Elan | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
Make | Lotus | Opel |
Model | Elan | Meriva |
Year Released | 1968 | 1999 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1686 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 101 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1345 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |