1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Saturn Sky
To start off, 2008 Saturn Sky 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Saturn Sky is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Saturn Sky (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Sky should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Saturn Sky weights approximately 401 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Saturn Sky (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Saturn Sky will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2008 Saturn Sky | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Elan | Sky |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 61 L |
