1955 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1968 Lotus Elan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 3,868 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 446 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (302 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1955 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Chevrolet Corvette | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
Model | Corvette | Elan |
Year Released | 1955 | 1968 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3868 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 302 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 72.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |