2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 37 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 2,376 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (171 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 378 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 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, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Cobalt | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2376 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 45 L |
