1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1976 Buick LeSabre is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick LeSabre (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 816 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. 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, 1976 Buick LeSabre (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 1976 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick LeSabre | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | LeSabre | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 59 L |
