1976 Buick Estate vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1976 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Estate weights approximately 864 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1976 Buick Estate 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 1976 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1976 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan. 1976 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Buick Estate | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Estate | Elan |
Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 380 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 79 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1884 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2260 mm |