1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1971 Maserati Indy
To start off, both 1971 Lotus Elan and 1971 Maserati Indy were released in the same year (1971). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,718 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Maserati Indy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Maserati Indy (288 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Maserati Indy should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Maserati Indy weights approximately 670 kg more than 1971 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 Maserati Indy (400 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1971 Maserati Indy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1971 Maserati Indy | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Elan | Indy |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 4718 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2610 mm |
