1961 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1968 Lotus Elan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,390 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Cadillac Eldorado (197 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 1280 kg more than 1968 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, 1961 Cadillac Eldorado (583 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 437 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Cadillac Eldorado | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | Eldorado | Elan |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6390 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2130 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5660 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 45 L |
