1976 Chrysler Centura vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1976 Chrysler Centura is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,981 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler Centura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler Centura (118 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler Centura should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler Centura weights approximately 265 kg more than 1968 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 Chrysler Centura (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler Centura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chrysler Centura | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | Centura | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1981 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2440 mm |
