1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 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 127 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas weights approximately 780 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas 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 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, 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, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas (394 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm). This means 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 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 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | Vanden Plas | Elan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2260 mm |
