1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1965 Steyr 650T
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Steyr 650T. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Steyr 650T 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 (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1965 Steyr 650T. (20 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1965 Steyr 650T. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 350 kg more than 1965 Steyr 650T. 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Steyr 650T. (40 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Steyr 650T.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1965 Steyr 650T | |
| Make | Lotus | Steyr |
| Model | Elan | 650T |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1965 |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 643 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 20 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 2970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 1850 mm |
