1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 2005 Saab 05-Sep 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 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saab 05-Sep (217 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saab 05-Sep should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 766 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.
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 Saab 05-Sep, 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 Saab 05-Sep (311 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2005 Saab 05-Sep has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Saab 05-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2005 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elan | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 75 L |
