1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Skoda Fabia
To start off, 2007 Skoda Fabia 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Skoda Fabia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2007 Skoda Fabia. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 Skoda Fabia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Skoda Fabia weights approximately 390 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 Skoda Fabia, 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 Skoda Fabia (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Skoda Fabia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2007 Skoda Fabia | |
| Make | Lotus | Skoda |
| Model | Elan | Fabia |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
