1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1996 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1996 Plymouth Neon is newer by 27 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Plymouth Neon (132 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 409 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.
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, 1996 Plymouth Neon, 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, 1996 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1996 Plymouth Neon 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. 1996 Plymouth Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 1996 Plymouth Neon | |
Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
Model | Elan | Neon |
Year Released | 1969 | 1996 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 132 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 174 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1109 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2650 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 79 L |