1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Lexus GS
To start off, 2012 Lexus GS is newer by 49 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus GS (303 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus GS weights approximately 1127 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Lexus GS (371 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2012 Lexus GS 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. 2012 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2012 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Lotus | Lexus |
| Model | Elan | GS |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1721 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4826 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 71 L |
