1976 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1976 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,765 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chevrolet Corvette (180 HP) has 65 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan.
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 Chevrolet Corvette (346 Nm) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm). This means 1976 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chevrolet Corvette | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5765 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 115 HP |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2140 mm |
