1997 Jeep Wrangler vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Jeep Wrangler is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Wrangler weights approximately 580 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1997 Jeep Wrangler is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Wrangler 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 Jeep Wrangler (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Wrangler will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Wrangler | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Jeep | Lotus |
| Model | Wrangler | Elan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2440 mm |
