2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,591 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (119 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 298 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (153 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. 2009 Hyundai Elantra has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Elantra | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1591 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 65 L |
