1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 28 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP) has 80 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 575 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.
Because 1962 Lotus Elite 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 1962 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elite | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 163 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 69 L |
