1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Infiniti M
To start off, 2012 Infiniti M 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Infiniti M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Infiniti M (235 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Infiniti M should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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 Infiniti M (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 404 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Infiniti M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2012 Infiniti M 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. 2012 Infiniti M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2012 Infiniti M | |
| Make | Lotus | Infiniti |
| Model | Elan | M |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4945 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2901 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 67 L |
