1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1968 Mini Clubman
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mini Clubman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mini Clubman 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 78 more horse power than 1968 Mini Clubman. (38 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1968 Mini Clubman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 170 kg more than 1968 Mini Clubman. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1968 Mini Clubman, 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 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mini Clubman. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mini Clubman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1968 Mini Clubman | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elan | Clubman |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2040 mm |
