2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (160 HP) has 40 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1711 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Elan. (143 Nm). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lotus |
| Model | Defender | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1991 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 997 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2260 mm |
