2006 Bentley Continental GTC vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Bentley Continental GTC is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,998 cc, 2006 Bentley Continental GTC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Bentley Continental GTC (552 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 426 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Bentley Continental GTC should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Bentley Continental GTC weights approximately 1710 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Bentley Continental GTC is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Bentley Continental GTC 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, 2006 Bentley Continental GTC (881 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 728 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Bentley Continental GTC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 2006 Bentley Continental GTC has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Bentley Continental GTC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Bentley Continental GTC | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Bentley | Lotus |
| Model | Continental GTC | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Horse Power | 552 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 881 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 318 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2580 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5310 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 59 L |
