1974 Lotus Elite vs. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 31 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 200 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
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, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 2005 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elite | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 53 L |
