1972 Chevrolet Chevelle vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle would be higher. At 5,011 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle weights approximately 623 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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 Chevrolet Chevelle (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Chevelle | Elise |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5011 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 40 L |
