1987 Austin Montego vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1987 Austin Montego 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Austin Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1987 Austin Montego. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1987 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Austin Montego weights approximately 240 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, 1987 Austin Montego, 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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Austin Montego. (134 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Austin Montego.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Austin Montego | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | Montego | Elan |
Year Released | 1987 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 85 HP | 126 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 134 Nm | 153 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |