1989 Daihatsu Applause vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Daihatsu Applause is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Daihatsu Applause is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Daihatsu Applause weights approximately 140 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Because 1968 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Daihatsu Applause, 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. (134 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. 1989 Daihatsu Applause has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Daihatsu Applause will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Daihatsu Applause | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Applause | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.6 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
