1969 Dodge Challenger vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1971 Lotus Elan is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Dodge Challenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Dodge Challenger would be higher. At 6,286 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Dodge Challenger (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 642 kg more than 1971 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, 1969 Dodge Challenger (422 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1969 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Dodge Challenger | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Challenger | Elan |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6286 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 59 L |
