1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1980 Holden Gemini
To start off, 1980 Holden Gemini is newer by 12 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Holden Gemini is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Holden Gemini. (67 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Holden Gemini weights approximately 105 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Gemini. (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Gemini. 1980 Holden Gemini 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. 1980 Holden Gemini will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1980 Holden Gemini | |
| Make | Lotus | Holden |
| Model | Elan | Gemini |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
