1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 42 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm (124 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 496 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, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 2005 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2005 Chevrolet Prizm 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. 2005 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2005 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elan | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2470 mm |
