UK vs UK — 1962 vs 1971
| Elan Sprint | Elan Sprint | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 126 hp | 126 hp |
| Torque | 113 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 1,558 cc | 1,558 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 15.5 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,134 mm | 2,134 mm |
| Length | 3,683 mm | 3,680 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $100,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1962 Lotus Elan Sprint brings its unique character to the table, and the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint answers with its own distinct appeal. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Lotus Elan. The 1962 and 1971 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1962 Lotus Elan Sprint producing 126 hp and the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint delivering 126 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Elan uses a Inline-4 DOHC 8V displacing 1,558 cc, while the Lotus Elan relies on a Inline-4 with 1,558 cc. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.