1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 325 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Lotus Esprit | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Esprit | Elan |
Year Released | 1990 | 1969 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |