1987 Alfa Romeo Graduate vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo Graduate is newer by 16 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 1,966 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo Graduate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP) has 11 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo Graduate. (115 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo Graduate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo Graduate weights approximately 380 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
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, 1987 Alfa Romeo Graduate (163 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo Graduate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo Graduate | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Graduate | Elan |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1966 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 126 HP |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 59 L |
