1969 Innocenti IM 3 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, both 1969 Innocenti IM 3 and 1969 Lotus Elan were released in the same year (1969). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1969 Innocenti IM 3. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1969 Innocenti IM 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Innocenti IM 3 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Innocenti IM 3, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Innocenti IM 3. (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Innocenti IM 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Innocenti IM 3 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Innocenti | Lotus |
| Model | IM 3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
