1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac CTS is newer by 42 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 1044 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, 2011 Cadillac CTS (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2011 Cadillac CTS 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. 2011 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2011 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Lotus | Cadillac |
| Model | Elan | CTS |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3000 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 | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
