1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2000 Smart ForTwo 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 116 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2000 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lotus | Smart |
| Model | Elan | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 135 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 | 816 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 22 L |
