1990 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Subaru Legacy is newer by 19 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 2,456 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Legacy (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 490 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 2009 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy 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, 2009 Subaru Legacy (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 2009 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Elan | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
