2009 Cadillac STS vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS is newer by 40 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 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac STS weights approximately 935 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, 2009 Cadillac STS (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2009 Cadillac STS 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. 2009 Cadillac STS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | STS | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3599 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 45 L |
