1963 Holden FB Special vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Holden FB Special. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Holden FB Special would be higher. At 2,262 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Holden FB Special is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1963 Holden FB Special. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1963 Holden FB Special. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Holden FB Special weights approximately 80 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 Holden FB Special 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 1963 Holden FB Special. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Holden FB Special. (163 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Holden FB Special.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Holden FB Special | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | FB Special | Elan |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |
