2009 Ferrari F430 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 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 4,308 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (503 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 395 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 758 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 Ferrari F430 (470 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ferrari F430 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | F430 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4308 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 503 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 320 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 | 1458 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 45 L |
