1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Kia Forte
To start off, 2013 Kia Forte is newer by 44 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Forte (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Forte weights approximately 592 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, 2013 Kia Forte, 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, 2013 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2013 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Elan | Forte |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 97 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
