1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1969 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1969 Pontiac GTO is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 6,549 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Pontiac GTO (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 550 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. Let's talk about torque, 1969 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 457 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1969 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elan | GTO |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 6549 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 69 L |
