1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 1999 Saab 05-Sep 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 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Saab 05-Sep (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Saab 05-Sep should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 704 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.
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 Saab 05-Sep, 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 Saab 05-Sep (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1999 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elan | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 75 L |
