1973 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 695 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1973 Chevrolet Impala 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 1973 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1973 Chevrolet Impala (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Impala | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Impala | Elan |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2260 mm |
