1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2000 Opel Speedster is newer by 31 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Speedster (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Speedster weights approximately 245 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, 2000 Opel Speedster (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2000 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elan | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 36 L |
