1977 Lancia Stratos vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1992 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1992 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Lotus Elan weights approximately 40 kg more than 1977 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1977 Lancia Stratos 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 1977 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan, 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, 1977 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1977 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Lancia Stratos | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Stratos | Elan |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2419 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2260 mm |
