1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Rover 45
To start off, 2006 Rover 45 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 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2006 Rover 45. (100 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 Rover 45. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Rover 45 weights approximately 416 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 Rover 45, 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, 2006 Rover 45 (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2006 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elan | 45 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
