1990 Lotus Elan vs. 1972 Maserati Indy
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Maserati Indy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Maserati Indy would be higher. At 4,719 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Maserati Indy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Maserati Indy (289 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Maserati Indy should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Maserati Indy weights approximately 520 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Maserati Indy 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 1972 Maserati Indy. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, 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, 1972 Maserati Indy (400 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 Maserati Indy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 1972 Maserati Indy | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Elan | Indy |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4719 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 289 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2610 mm |
