2000 Lotus Elise vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2000 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Elise (143 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Lotus Elise weights approximately 20 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.
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, 2000 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Elise | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Elan |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 45 L |
