1996 Lancia Zeta vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lancia Zeta is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,088 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lancia Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lancia Zeta (109 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Zeta should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 1021 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Zeta, 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 Zeta (260 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lancia Zeta | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Zeta | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2088 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2140 mm |
