1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 33 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 3,129 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix (173 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 864 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.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix 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. 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elan | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 84 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1564 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 66 L |
