1971 Innocenti Mini vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1971 Innocenti Mini is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1971 Innocenti Mini. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1971 Innocenti Mini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Innocenti Mini weights approximately 58 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Because 1962 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Innocenti Mini, 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Innocenti Mini. (65 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Innocenti Mini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Innocenti Mini | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Innocenti | Lotus |
| Model | Mini | Elan |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2140 mm |
