1994 Lotus Esprit vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Esprit | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elan |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 267 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 45 L |
