2002 Lancia Zeta vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2002 Lancia Zeta is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lancia Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lancia Zeta (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lancia Zeta should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 904 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Lotus Elan 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Lancia Zeta, 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, 2002 Lancia Zeta (181 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lancia Zeta | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Zeta | Elan |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
