1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 39 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 346 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, 2008 Mini Cooper, 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, 2008 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2008 Mini Cooper 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. 2008 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elan | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
