1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2006 Pontiac Solstice 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 2,376 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac Solstice (177 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 2006 Pontiac Solstice (225 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2006 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elan | Solstice |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 97.8 mm |
| 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 Length | 3690 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 49 L |
