UK vs West Germany — 1971 vs 1960
| Elan Sprint | 356B Super 90 Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 126 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | — | 89 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,558 cc | 1,582 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 11.5 sec |
| Top Speed | — | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 17.8 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,061 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,134 mm | 2,100 mm |
| Length | 3,680 mm | 4,010 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 30,963 |
| Original MSRP | — | $3,825 |
| Value (Excellent) | $100,000 | $250,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint brings more power, better value to the table, and the 1960 Porsche 356B Super 90 Coupe answers with stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between UK and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint versus 1960 Porsche 356B Super 90 Coupe is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint holds a clear advantage in raw power with 126 hp compared to 90 hp, a 36-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Elan uses a Inline-4 displacing 1,558 cc, while the Porsche 356B relies on a Flat-4 OHV with 1,582 cc. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1960 Porsche 356B Super 90 Coupe rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.