1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1966 Simca 1300
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Simca 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Simca 1300 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 57 more horse power than 1966 Simca 1300. (51 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1966 Simca 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Simca 1300 weights approximately 290 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Simca 1300. (102 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Simca 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1966 Simca 1300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Simca |
| Model | Elan | 1300 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
