1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Vauxhall VX220
To start off, 2005 Vauxhall VX220 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Vauxhall VX220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Vauxhall VX220 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Vauxhall VX220 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Vauxhall VX220 weights approximately 26 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, 2005 Vauxhall VX220 (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Vauxhall VX220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2005 Vauxhall VX220 | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Elan | VX220 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 54 L |
