1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2000 Suzuki Samurai 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 330 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 2000 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2000 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Elan | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1700 mm |
