UK vs United Kingdom — 1971 vs 1971
| Elan Sprint | Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 126 hp | 126 hp |
| Torque | — | 117 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,558 cc | 1,558 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 6.7 sec |
| Top Speed | — | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 15.2 sec |
| Weight | — | 1,519 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,134 mm | 2,134 mm |
| Length | 3,680 mm | 3,658 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 1,353 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,795 |
| Value (Excellent) | $100,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint brings its unique character to the table, and the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe answers with stronger collectibility. 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 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint producing 126 hp and the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe delivering 126 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Elan uses a Inline-4 displacing 1,558 cc, while the Lotus Elan Sprint relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,558 cc. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.