1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Buick Riviera 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 1972 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan. 1972 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Buick Riviera | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Riviera | Elan |
Year Released | 1972 | 1994 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 250 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 518 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2260 mm |