2009 Lada 21 vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Lada 21 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lada 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP) has 27 more horse power than 2009 Lada 21. (89 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Lada 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lada 21 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Because 1968 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Lada 21, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lada 21. (131 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lada 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lada 21 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | 21 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 116 HP |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
