1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2007 Mini Cooper is newer by 39 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2007 Mini Cooper. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mini Cooper weights approximately 275 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, 2007 Mini Cooper, 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, 2007 Mini Cooper (151 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2007 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elan | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
