1957 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (217 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 511 kg more than 1969 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, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (408 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1957 Chevrolet Corvette | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
Model | Corvette | Elan |
Year Released | 1957 | 1969 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4637 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 217 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 408 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 889 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2440 mm |