1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 32 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 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 621 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, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier (211 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 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. 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elan | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |
