1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1982 Saab 900
To start off, 1982 Saab 900 is newer by 13 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), 1982 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1982 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1982 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Saab 900 weights approximately 291 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, 1982 Saab 900, 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, 1982 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1982 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elan | 900 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| 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 | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
