1971 Lotus Seven vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1971 Lotus Seven is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 106 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven. 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Lotus Seven | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Seven | Elan |
Year Released | 1971 | 1969 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 85 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 92 Nm | 147 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 3690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1170 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 45 L |