1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Dodge Ram
To start off, 1998 Dodge Ram is newer by 35 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 3,906 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Ram (173 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 1476 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 1998 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1963 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Dodge Ram (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1998 Dodge Ram 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. 1998 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1998 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Lotus | Dodge |
| Model | Elan | Ram |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3906 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2790 mm |
