1956 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Aston Martin DB3 would be higher. At 2,920 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Aston Martin DB3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 106 kg more than 1956 Aston Martin DB3.
Because 1956 Aston Martin DB3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Aston Martin DB3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Aston Martin DB3. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Aston Martin DB3.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Aston Martin DB3 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Aston Martin | Lotus |
Model | DB3 | Elan |
Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2920 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 195 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2260 mm |