1974 Lotus Elite vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 450 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Elite 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 1974 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite. 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Lotus Elite | 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
Model | Elite | Ninety-Eight |
Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 177 Nm | 285 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1510 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2830 mm |