1971 Jensen Interceptor vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1971 Jensen Interceptor is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 6,286 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen Interceptor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jensen Interceptor (300 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jensen Interceptor should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jensen Interceptor weights approximately 1234 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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 Jensen Interceptor (556 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 452 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 Jensen Interceptor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 1971 Jensen Interceptor has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Jensen Interceptor will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jensen Interceptor | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Jensen | Lotus |
| Model | Interceptor | Elite |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6286 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 29 L |
