2004 Honda Fit vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Honda Fit 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2004 Honda Fit. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Fit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Fit weights approximately 171 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Fit, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Fit. (123 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Fit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Fit | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Honda | Lotus |
| Model | Fit | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
