1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1974 Lotus Eclat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 236 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 1974 Lotus Eclat has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 67 L |
