2009 Lada 21 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Lada 21 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lada 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP) has 36 more horse power than 2009 Lada 21. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1969 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 220 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lada 21. (120 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1969 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 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | 21 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 116 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 1070 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
