1963 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 675 kg more than 1969 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, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1963 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Chevrolet Corvette | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elan |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 45 L |
