1969 Austin Mini Clubman vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Austin Mini Clubman would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. (39 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 147 kg more than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Austin Mini Clubman, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin Mini Clubman | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Mini Clubman | Elise |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 119 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 638 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 38 L |
