1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 2 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 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (104 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1204 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. 1968 Buick Riviera 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. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Riviera | Elan |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 45 L |
