1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1981 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1981 Mercury Lynx is newer by 12 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Lynx is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Lynx weights approximately 61 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, 1981 Mercury Lynx, 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 1981 Mercury Lynx | |
Make | Lotus | Mercury |
Model | Elan | Lynx |
Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 121 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4170 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2400 mm |