1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1983 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1983 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 367 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.
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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1983 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
