1956 Buick 40 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Lotus Elite is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Buick 40 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. 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, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Buick 40 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | 40 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 462 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2490 mm |
