1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Opel Tigra
To start off, 2007 Opel Tigra is newer by 36 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2007 Opel Tigra. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 Opel Tigra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Tigra weights approximately 395 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
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, 2007 Opel Tigra, 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, 2007 Opel Tigra (170 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Tigra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2007 Opel Tigra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elan | Tigra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
