1998 Dodge Intrepid vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Dodge Intrepid is newer by 29 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 2,735 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Intrepid is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Intrepid (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Intrepid should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Intrepid weights approximately 720 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, 1998 Dodge Intrepid, 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, 1998 Dodge Intrepid (257 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Intrepid will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1998 Dodge Intrepid has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Dodge Intrepid will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Intrepid | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Intrepid | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2735 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2440 mm |
