1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 37 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForFour weights approximately 115 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, 2005 Smart ForFour, 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Lotus Elan | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
Make | Lotus | Smart |
Model | Elan | ForFour |
Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1124 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 84.8 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 | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 47 L |