1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2012 Subaru Impreza 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Impreza (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 755 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 2012 Subaru Impreza is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Impreza (330 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2012 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elan | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2624 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
