1985 Innocenti 990 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1985 Innocenti 990 is newer by 16 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 (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1985 Innocenti 990. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1985 Innocenti 990. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 175 kg more than 1985 Innocenti 990. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1985 Innocenti 990, 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Innocenti 990. (75 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Innocenti 990.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Innocenti 990 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Innocenti | Lotus |
| Model | 990 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2440 mm |
