1971 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, both 1971 Cadillac Eldorado and 1971 Lotus Elan were released in the same year (1971). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 8,190 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Cadillac Eldorado (223 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 1240 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1971 Cadillac Eldorado (744 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 591 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1971 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 1971 Cadillac Eldorado has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Cadillac Eldorado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Cadillac Eldorado | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | Eldorado | Elan |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8190 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 744 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 109.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 109.3 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2110 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 59 L |
