1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas weights approximately 1206 kg more than 1963 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 Vanden Plas (394 Nm) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm). This means 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | Vanden Plas | Elan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2140 mm |
