2000 Lotus Elise vs. 1970 Saab 99
To start off, 2000 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Saab 99 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 64 more horse power than 1970 Saab 99. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Saab 99 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Because 2000 Lotus Elise 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 2000 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Saab 99, 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, 2000 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Saab 99. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Saab 99.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Elise | 1970 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Elise | 99 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1709 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 54 L |
