1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 630 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 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2009 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Elan | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 73 L |
