1970 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1970 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 411 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
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, 1970 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1970 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1970 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Vega | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Vega | Elan |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 45 L |
