1972 AMC Javelin vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1972 AMC Javelin is newer by 3 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 AMC Javelin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 AMC Javelin. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Javelin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Javelin weights approximately 453 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1972 AMC Javelin (264 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Javelin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1972 AMC Javelin has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Javelin will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Javelin | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Javelin | Elan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1342 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
