1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 7,206 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (217 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (447 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Elan | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 7206 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2700 mm |
