1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Volkswagen Transporter
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Transporter 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Transporter is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Transporter. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Transporter. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Transporter weights approximately 1420 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, 2007 Volkswagen Transporter, 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 Volkswagen Transporter (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Transporter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2007 Volkswagen Transporter | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Transporter |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
