1997 Dodge Dakota vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Dodge Dakota is newer by 28 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 830 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 1997 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Dakota | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Dakota | Elan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 45 L |
