1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1996 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 1996 Porsche Boxster 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 2,480 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 402 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, 1996 Porsche Boxster (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1996 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elan | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
