1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Morgan Plus 4
To start off, 1999 Morgan Plus 4 is newer by 30 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Morgan Plus 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Morgan Plus 4 (137 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Morgan Plus 4 weights approximately 70 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, 1999 Morgan Plus 4 (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1999 Morgan Plus 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Morgan |
| Model | Elan | Plus 4 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2500 mm |
