1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1990 Volkswagen Quantum
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Quantum 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Quantum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Quantum. (109 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Quantum. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Quantum weights approximately 280 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 Volkswagen Quantum, 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, 1990 Volkswagen Quantum (173 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Quantum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1990 Volkswagen Quantum has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Volkswagen Quantum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1990 Volkswagen Quantum | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Quantum |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2560 mm |
