1959 Chevrolet Corvair vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Chevrolet Corvair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Chevrolet Corvair would be higher. At 2,286 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Chevrolet Corvair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 Chevrolet Corvair. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1959 Chevrolet Corvair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Chevrolet Corvair weights approximately 455 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Chevrolet Corvair | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvair | Elise |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2286 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2310 mm |
