1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 43 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 1040 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
Make | Lotus | Buick |
Model | Elan | LaCrosse |
Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 233 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1740 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 5001 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1857 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2837 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |