1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Rover 75
To start off, 1998 Rover 75 is newer by 27 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 1,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Rover 75 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Rover 75 (150 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Rover 75 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Rover 75 weights approximately 555 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.
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, 1998 Rover 75, 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, 1998 Rover 75 (185 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Rover 75 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1998 Rover 75 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elan | 75 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 66 L |
