1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1992 Porsche 968
To start off, 1992 Porsche 968 is newer by 23 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 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Porsche 968 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Porsche 968 (241 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Porsche 968 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Porsche 968 weights approximately 700 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, 1992 Porsche 968 (305 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Porsche 968 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1992 Porsche 968 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elan | 968 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 104 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 255 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 74 L |
