1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1997 Mercury Mystique is newer by 28 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Mystique (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 353 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elan | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
