1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1972 Saab 99
To start off, 1972 Saab 99 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1972 Saab 99. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1972 Saab 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Saab 99 weights approximately 261 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1972 Saab 99, 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, 1972 Saab 99 (167 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 1972 Saab 99 | |
Make | Lotus | Saab |
Model | Elan | 99 |
Year Released | 1969 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1985 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1150 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2480 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |