1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (139 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 794 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1986 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elan | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2830 mm |
