1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 29 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 655 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elan | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 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 | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 58 L |
