1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Subaru Legacy is newer by 40 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 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Legacy (163 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 933 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 2009 Subaru Legacy 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, 2009 Subaru Legacy 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, 2009 Subaru Legacy (187 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2009 Subaru Legacy 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. 2009 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2009 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elan | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
