1999 Jaguar S-Type vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1999 Jaguar S-Type is newer by 28 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Jaguar S-Type is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Jaguar S-Type (281 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jaguar S-Type should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Jaguar S-Type weights approximately 855 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1999 Jaguar S-Type (390 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1999 Jaguar S-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 1999 Jaguar S-Type has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Jaguar S-Type will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Jaguar S-Type | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | S-Type | Elan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 59 L |
