1976 Alpine A 310 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1976 Alpine A 310 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 284 kg more than 1966 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, 1976 Alpine A 310 (209 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Alpine A 310 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alpine | Lotus |
| Model | A 310 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
