1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is newer by 43 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 3,700 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (242 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado weights approximately 1000 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, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (328 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Colorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elan | Colorado |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 72 L |
