1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1987 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1987 Holden Commodore is newer by 21 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Holden Commodore (153 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Holden Commodore weights approximately 519 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.
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, 1987 Holden Commodore (247 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 1987 Holden Commodore 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. 1987 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1987 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Lotus | Holden |
| Model | Elan | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2670 mm |
