1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1958 Porsche 356
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Porsche 356 would be higher. 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 8 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Porsche 356 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1958 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elan | 356 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
