1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 890 kg more than 1958 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elite | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2750 mm |
