1971 Chrysler Valiant vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1971 Chrysler Valiant is newer by 2 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 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chrysler Valiant (227 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chrysler Valiant should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chrysler Valiant weights approximately 611 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, 1971 Chrysler Valiant (461 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Chrysler Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chrysler Valiant | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | Valiant | Elan |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2440 mm |
