Italy vs United Kingdom — 1973 vs 1971
| Bora | Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 126 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 117 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,930 cc | 1,558 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 6.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 174 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 15.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,570 lbs | 1,519 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,601 mm | 2,134 mm |
| Length | 4,389 mm | 3,658 mm |
| Units Produced | 530 | 1,353 |
| Original MSRP | $22,000 | $4,795 |
| Value (Excellent) | — | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1973 Maserati Bora brings more power, higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe answers with lighter weight, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and United Kingdom automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1973 Maserati Bora versus 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1973 Maserati Bora holds a clear advantage in raw power with 310 hp compared to 126 hp, a 184-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Maserati Bora uses a V8 displacing 4,930 cc, while the Lotus Elan Sprint relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,558 cc. The 1973 Maserati Bora claims a higher top speed at 174 mph compared to 120 mph. The Lotus Elan Sprint carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 2051 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.