2009 Hyundai Terracan vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Terracan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Terracan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Terracan (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Terracan should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Terracan weights approximately 1135 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Hyundai Terracan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Terracan will offer significantly more control. 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 Hyundai Terracan (300 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Terracan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2009 Hyundai Terracan has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Hyundai Terracan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Terracan | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Terracan | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2155 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2260 mm |
