1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman weights approximately 365 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Elan | Cooper Countryman |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1562 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2596 mm |
