1989 Lamborghini Jalpa vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa is newer by 20 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 3,485 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa (252 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa 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, 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa (314 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lamborghini | Lotus |
| Model | Jalpa | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3485 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 227 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 | 4340 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
