2002 Cadillac XLR vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2002 Cadillac XLR is newer by 33 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 4,570 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac XLR (316 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 954 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, 2002 Cadillac XLR (407 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2002 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac XLR | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | XLR | Elan |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4570 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 316 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
