1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2004 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra is newer by 36 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Vectra weights approximately 635 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, 2004 Opel Vectra, 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, 2004 Opel Vectra (229 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2004 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elan | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
