1989 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2007 Subaru Forester is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Subaru Forester (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Elan. (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Subaru Forester weights approximately 465 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Subaru Forester (245 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Elan | 2007 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elan | Forester |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
