1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Buick Enclave
To start off, 2012 Buick Enclave is newer by 44 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick Enclave is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Enclave (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Enclave should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Enclave weights approximately 1318 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, 2012 Buick Enclave, 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, 2012 Buick Enclave (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Enclave will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 2012 Buick Enclave 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. 2012 Buick Enclave will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Lotus Elan | 2012 Buick Enclave | |
Make | Lotus | Buick |
Model | Elan | Enclave |
Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 288 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2168 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5126 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2007 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1842 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3020 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 83 L |