1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 34 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 3,784 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Pontiac Firebird (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 809 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, 2000 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2000 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elan | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 3784 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 58 L |
