1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1965 Saab MC
To start off, 1971 Lotus Elan is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Saab MC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Saab MC would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1965 Saab MC. (54 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1965 Saab MC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Saab MC weights approximately 18 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Saab MC, 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Saab MC. (91 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Saab MC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1965 Saab MC | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elan | MC |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 841 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 888 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2500 mm |
