1971 Holden Monaro vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Holden Monaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Holden Monaro would be higher. At 2,637 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Holden Monaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1971 Holden Monaro. (113 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1971 Holden Monaro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Holden Monaro weights approximately 295 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 Holden Monaro 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 Holden Monaro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, 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 Holden Monaro (213 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1971 Holden Monaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Holden Monaro | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Monaro | Elan |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2637 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 213 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2260 mm |
