2003 Jaguar XK vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Jaguar XK is newer by 34 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Jaguar XK weights approximately 850 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, 2003 Jaguar XK (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2003 Jaguar XK 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. 2003 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Jaguar XK | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XK | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 45 L |
