1980 Lancia Delta vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1980 Lancia Delta is newer by 11 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 (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Delta. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Delta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lancia Delta weights approximately 125 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Delta, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Delta. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Delta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lancia Delta | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Delta | Elan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
