1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1987 Saab 9000
To start off, 1987 Saab 9000 is newer by 18 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), 1987 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Saab 9000 (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Saab 9000 weights approximately 605 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.
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, 1987 Saab 9000, 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, 1987 Saab 9000 (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1987 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elan | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 54 L |
