2009 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban (307 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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 Chevrolet Suburban (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Suburban | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Suburban | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 307 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5660 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 45 L |
