1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, both 1968 Buick Riviera and 1968 Lotus Elan were released in the same year (1968). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 197 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1198 kg more than 1968 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 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 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 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Riviera | Elan |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1968 |
| 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 | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 702 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1170 mm |
