1981 Lancia Delta vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1981 Lancia Delta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Delta. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Delta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Delta weights approximately 66 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Delta. (105 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Delta.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lancia Delta | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Lancia | Lotus |
Model | Delta | Elan |
Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 75 HP | 126 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 105 Nm | 153 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2440 mm |