1960 Cadillac Biarritz vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Cadillac Biarritz. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Cadillac Biarritz would be higher. At 6,389 cc (8 cylinders), 1960 Cadillac Biarritz is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Cadillac Biarritz (210 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Cadillac Biarritz should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Cadillac Biarritz weights approximately 1275 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Cadillac Biarritz is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1960 Cadillac Biarritz. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1960 Cadillac Biarritz (590 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1960 Cadillac Biarritz will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1960 Cadillac Biarritz has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1960 Cadillac Biarritz will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Cadillac Biarritz | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | Biarritz | Elan |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6389 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 590 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2295 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5730 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2050 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2260 mm |
