1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 24 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 715 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.
Because 1968 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado 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. 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elan | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2750 mm |
