1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2010 Fiat Croma
To start off, 2010 Fiat Croma is newer by 41 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Fiat Croma (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Fiat Croma weights approximately 240 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 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, 2010 Fiat Croma, 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, 2010 Fiat Croma (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2010 Fiat Croma | |
| Make | Lotus | Fiat |
| Model | Elan | Croma |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
