1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 850 kg more than 1969 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elan | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
