2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Exige | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Lotus | Lotus |
Model | Exige | Elan |
Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 257 HP | 126 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 236 Nm | 153 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 59 L |