1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 2002 TVR Speed 12 is newer by 33 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 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 682 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 TVR Speed 12 weights approximately 302 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, 2002 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 734 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2002 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Elan | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 57 L |
