United Kingdom vs United Kingdom — 1961 vs 1971
| Midget MkI/MkII Roadster | Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 56 hp | 126 hp |
| Torque | 64 lb-ft | 117 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,098 cc | 1,558 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 18.3 sec | 6.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 87 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 21.2 sec | 15.2 sec |
| Weight | 1,525 lbs | 1,519 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,032 mm | 2,134 mm |
| Length | 3,404 mm | 3,658 mm |
| Units Produced | 63,961 | 1,353 |
| Original MSRP | $1,895 | $4,795 |
| Value (Excellent) | $28,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 8/10 |
The 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1961 MG Midget MkI/MkII Roadster counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 1961 MG Midget MkI/MkII Roadster and 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe stand as two of the most notable Sports Car cars from Muscle era. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. The 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 126 hp compared to 56 hp, a 70-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the MG Midget MkI/MkII uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,098 cc, while the Lotus Elan Sprint relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,558 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe edges ahead at 6.7 seconds versus 18.3 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,353 units built, the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe is considerably scarcer than the MG Midget MkI/MkII's 63,961 examples. On the collector market, the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1961 MG Midget MkI/MkII Roadster, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.