1964 Lotus Elan vs. 2003 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 39 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 3,563 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS (252 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 1085 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.
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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (346 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan. 2003 Cadillac CTS 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. 2003 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 2003 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Lotus | Cadillac |
| Model | Elan | CTS |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3563 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 86 mm |
| 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 | 590 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
