1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Sharan 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 1139 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 2007 Volkswagen Sharan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Sharan will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2007 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2007 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1839 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
