1959 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,382 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado (345 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 1406 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, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado (590 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 444 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Cadillac Eldorado | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | Eldorado | Elan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6382 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 590 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2295 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2050 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 59 L |
