1986 Ferrari Testarossa vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa is newer by 17 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 4,941 cc (12 cylinders), 1986 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa (390 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ferrari Testarossa weights approximately 800 kg more than 1969 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, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa (475 Nm) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm). This means 1986 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ferrari Testarossa | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | Testarossa | Elan |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 290 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2140 mm |
