1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 37 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 475 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, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elan | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
