1973 Buick Skylark vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1973 Buick Skylark is newer by 2 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 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 735 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, 1973 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Skylark | Elan |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
