1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 477 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.
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, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am (454 Nm) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm). This means 2000 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2000 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elan | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 54 L |
