1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,834 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass (123 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 846 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Lotus Elan 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 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1963 Lotus Elan | 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
Model | Elan | Cutlass |
Year Released | 1963 | 1987 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2834 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 217 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1440 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4930 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2740 mm |