1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 1035 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Lotus Elite. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Elite | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2700 mm |
