1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero
To start off, 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero is newer by 13 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 2,477 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero. (83 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 730 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero will offer significantly more control. 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, 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero (202 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elan | Pajero |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2477 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
