1990 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 MCC Smart
To start off, 2002 MCC Smart is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2002 MCC Smart. (80 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2002 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Elan weights approximately 230 kg more than 2002 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 MCC Smart 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 2002 MCC Smart. 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 MCC Smart. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 MCC Smart.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 2002 MCC Smart | |
| Make | Lotus | MCC |
| Model | Elan | Smart |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2370 mm |
