1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 34 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP) has 174 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 875 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite. 1996 Pontiac Firebird 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. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elite | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 257 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2570 mm |
