1996 Lancia Kappa vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lancia Kappa is newer by 27 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 2,451 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Lancia Kappa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lancia Kappa (173 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 820 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.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1996 Lancia Kappa (230 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lancia Kappa | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Kappa | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2140 mm |
