1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Porsche 911
To start off, 2009 Porsche 911 is newer by 38 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 3,824 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Porsche 911 weights approximately 660 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, 2009 Porsche 911 (400 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 2009 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Lotus Elan | 2009 Porsche 911 | |
Make | Lotus | Porsche |
Model | Elan | 911 |
Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3824 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 126 HP | 350 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 153 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 96 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 82.8 mm |
Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 285 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1530 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1310 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1780 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2360 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 64 L |