1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP) has 42 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 810 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elite | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 125 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2750 mm |
