2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 581 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 Malibu, 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 Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu 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. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Malibu | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |
