1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1989 TVR S2
To start off, 1989 TVR S2 is newer by 20 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 TVR S2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 TVR S2 (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 TVR S2 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 TVR S2 weights approximately 50 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, 1989 TVR S2 (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 TVR S2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1989 TVR S2 | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Elan | S2 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2290 mm |
