2006 Dodge Viper vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Dodge Viper 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 8,274 cc (10 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Viper (510 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 402 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Viper weights approximately 823 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, 2006 Dodge Viper (725 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 578 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Viper | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8274 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 725 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 306 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
