1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1979 Talbot 1510
To start off, 1979 Talbot 1510 is newer by 10 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 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot 1510 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1979 Talbot 1510. (87 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Talbot 1510. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Talbot 1510 weights approximately 395 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, 1979 Talbot 1510, 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 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Talbot 1510. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Talbot 1510. 1979 Talbot 1510 has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Talbot 1510 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1979 Talbot 1510 | |
| Make | Lotus | Talbot |
| Model | Elan | 1510 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2610 mm |
