1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom
To start off, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom is newer by 43 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 6,700 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom (453 HP @ 5350 RPM) has 337 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom weights approximately 1840 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, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom (719 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 573 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom | |
| Make | Lotus | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | Elan | Phantom |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 6700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 453 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 6091 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1638 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 100 L |
