1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Lotus GT 1
To start off, 2000 Lotus GT 1 is newer by 29 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Lotus GT 1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus GT 1 (573 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 447 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus GT 1 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Lotus GT 1 weights approximately 180 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, 2000 Lotus GT 1 (391 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus GT 1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2000 Lotus GT 1 | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | GT 1 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 573 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2690 mm |
