1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Soul (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Soul weights approximately 486 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, 2011 Kia Soul, 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, 2011 Kia Soul (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2011 Kia Soul 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 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Elan | Soul |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 48 L |
