1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1974 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1974 Opel Rekord is newer by 5 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 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1974 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Opel Rekord weights approximately 365 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1974 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elan | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2680 mm |
