1974 Lotus Elite vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 23 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 5,747 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 610 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.
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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elite | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2810 mm |
