1959 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1971 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,636 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 530 kg more than 1971 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 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1959 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Chevrolet Corvette | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
Model | Corvette | Elan |
Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4636 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 227 HP | 126 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 407 Nm | 153 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2440 mm |