1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 36 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), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 14 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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, 2005 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Elan | Exige |
Year Released | 1969 | 2005 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
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 | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 174 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 875 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |