1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1990 Rover Metro
To start off, 1990 Rover Metro is newer by 21 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 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1990 Rover Metro. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1990 Rover Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Rover Metro weights approximately 150 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, 1990 Rover Metro, 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 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover Metro. (117 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover Metro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1990 Rover Metro | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elan | Metro |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 167 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 | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 36 L |
