1964 Lotus Elan vs. 1979 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 1979 Lancia Gamma is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Gamma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Gamma (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Gamma should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Gamma weights approximately 730 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 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 1964 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Gamma, 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, 1979 Lancia Gamma (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Gamma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan. 1979 Lancia Gamma has automatic transmission and 1964 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1964 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Lancia Gamma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1964 Lotus Elan | 1979 Lancia Gamma | |
Make | Lotus | Lancia |
Model | Elan | Gamma |
Year Released | 1964 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4590 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2680 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |