1972 Buick GS vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1972 Buick GS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,723 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick GS weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1964 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, 1972 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick GS | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | GS | Elan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5723 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2140 mm |
