1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk
To start off, 1968 Lotus Elan is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk would be higher. At 3,050 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk weights approximately 500 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
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, 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk 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. 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk | |
| Make | Lotus | Studebaker |
| Model | Elan | Silver Hawk |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 111 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
