1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2013 Kia Sorento 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Sorento (272 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Sorento weights approximately 830 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 Sorento, 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 Sorento (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2013 Kia Sorento 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. 2013 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2013 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Elan | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1719 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1735 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 68 L |
