2009 Lamborghini Gallardo vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo 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 5,203 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo (560 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 395 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Elan. (165 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo weights approximately 480 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo 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 Lamborghini Gallardo (540 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lamborghini | Lotus |
| Model | Gallardo | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5203 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 560 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 65 L |
