1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Opel Tigra
To start off, 2005 Opel Tigra 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2005 Opel Tigra. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Tigra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Tigra weights approximately 355 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, 2005 Opel Tigra, 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, 2005 Opel Tigra (170 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Tigra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2005 Opel Tigra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elan | Tigra |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
