2005 Jaguar XJ vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Jaguar XJ is newer by 36 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 3,555 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Jaguar XJ (254 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 984 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, 2005 Jaguar XJ (335 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2005 Jaguar XJ 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. 2005 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Jaguar XJ | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XJ | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3555 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 45 L |
