1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2001 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2001 Opel Vectra is newer by 32 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2001 Opel Vectra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2001 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Vectra weights approximately 491 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 2001 Opel Vectra, 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, 2001 Opel Vectra (170 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2001 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elan | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| 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 | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 53 L |
