1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1994 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1994 TVR Chimaera is newer by 25 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 TVR Chimaera weights approximately 325 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, 1994 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1994 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Elan | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 57 L |
