2009 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Discovery 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 2,720 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Discovery (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 1786 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Discovery 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 Discovery (440 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Discovery | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lotus |
| Model | Discovery | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2720 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2486 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 45 L |
