2004 Honda Element vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Honda Element is newer by 35 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 2,353 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Element (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 684 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.
Because 2004 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Element | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1573 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
