1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1984 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1984 Suzuki Alto is newer by 15 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1984 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1984 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 279 kg more than 1984 Suzuki Alto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 Suzuki Alto, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Suzuki Alto. (59 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1984 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Elan | Alto |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 59 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 68.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2160 mm |
