Lotus Elan

vs

Porsche 914

UK vs Germany — 1971 vs 1970

Lotus Elan (1971)
Porsche 914 (1970)
Specifications
Elan Sprint914 /6
Horsepower126 hp110 hp
Engine Size1,558 cc1,991 cc
Wheelbase2,134 mm2,450 mm
Length3,680 mm3,985 mm
Units Produced3,351
Value (Excellent)$100,000$140,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity10/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint brings more power to the table, and the 1970 Porsche 914 /6 answers with its own distinct appeal. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between UK and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint versus 1970 Porsche 914 /6 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint producing 126 hp and the 1970 Porsche 914 /6 delivering 110 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Elan uses a Inline-4 displacing 1,558 cc, while the Porsche 914 relies on a Flat-6 with 1,991 cc. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.