1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1960 Mazda R 360
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mazda R 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mazda R 360 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 (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1960 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1960 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 509 kg more than 1960 Mazda R 360. 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 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Mazda R 360. (22 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1960 Mazda R 360 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Elan | R 360 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 16 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 22 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 60 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 63 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 89 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 2990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 1770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
