1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2007 Opel Vectra is newer by 38 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 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Vectra (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Vectra weights approximately 1005 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, 2007 Opel Vectra, 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, 2007 Opel Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2007 Opel Vectra 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. 2007 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2007 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elan | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
